We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

Emergency Service Vehicles & Red Lights

124

Comments

  • neilmcl wrote: »
    Then why are you bothering yourself to post a reply. Aren't what you doing is giving "internet opinion" along with the rest? What do you think the purpose of an internet forum is about!
    Giving Advice...not Opinion. Pointing out that seeking the answer to legal points in an amateur forum could be unwise. The roads are not a playground, and forums such as this do not formulate the rules for them.
    But feel to disagree when you next see the results of when the 'game' goes sour.
  • rev_henry
    rev_henry Posts: 4,965 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I wouldnt cross a stop light. Society cant change the rules to suit itself and neither can the "system". They cant fine people for motoring offences,petty parking infringements and nipping in a bus lane and then expect them to break the law when it may suit others.

    Anyway,i almost always perceive the EV from some distance away and make appropriate changes to my speed/position so that it may pass unimpeded. I dont do what so many thick motorists do and immediately jam their brakes on/pull over thus causing further danger and blocking the road.
    I quite agree. Make way if you can but don't cross the stop line until such a time as the law is changed.

    Incidentally I was in Preston the other evening, heard blues and saw an ambulance some distance away. Green man was on, plenty of time to cross until ambo came through so we crossed. Then about 5 cars decided to just go straight through the red, not just past the line but right through! So dangerous...no wonder the law is as it is, people can't be trusted to drive sensibly and would just take it as an excuse to jump the lights.
  • maxheadroom
    maxheadroom Posts: 145 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    edited 2 January 2013 at 11:11AM
    With double white lines you just have to STOP, as then you become a stationary vehicle so we can go around you , as anyone can, it doesnt matter if you cant get out of the way- just use some common sense as to where you stop i.e not on a blind bend. If you cant stop then carry on going at the limit.

    Highway Code

    https://www.gov.uk/general-rules-all-drivers-riders-103-to-158/lines-and-lane-markings-on-the-road-127-to-132

    129

    Double white lines where the line nearest you is solid. This means you MUST NOT cross or straddle it unless it is safe and you need to enter adjoining premises or a side road. You may cross the line if necessary, provided the road is clear, to pass a stationary vehicle, or overtake a pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle, if they are travelling at 10 mph (16 km/h) or less.
    Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD regs 10 & 26
  • paddedjohn
    paddedjohn Posts: 7,512 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture
    Just to add to all the info above, if you come to a set of lights that are stuck on red and you are sat there for 20 minutes you are still not allowed to proceed, you must turn around and find another route.(unless told otherwise by a copper)
    Be Alert..........Britain needs lerts.
  • dacouch
    dacouch Posts: 21,636 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    paddedjohn wrote: »
    Just to add to all the info above, if you come to a set of lights that are stuck on red and you are sat there for 20 minutes you are still not allowed to proceed, you must turn around and find another route.(unless told otherwise by a copper)

    Not strictly true, if the lights are not working or you have reasonable suspicion they are not working eg you are familiar with the lights and they have been on red much much longer than normal then they are no longer regarded as a traffic light and you can treat it as a give way junction.
  • neilmcl
    neilmcl Posts: 19,460 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    paddedjohn wrote: »
    Just to add to all the info above, if you come to a set of lights that are stuck on red and you are sat there for 20 minutes you are still not allowed to proceed, you must turn around and find another route.(unless told otherwise by a copper)
    If the lights are clearly faulty then this would be a defence against any subsequent prosecution.
  • DUTR
    DUTR Posts: 12,958 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    1886 wrote: »
    "You should not move for an emergency vehicle if sat at a red light" say the majority of people replying to this thread

    Why is it then that I've never seen somebody not move when in this situation?

    I'll tell you why, it's because when somebody is sat at home typing responses to a question they tell you what they think they would do but when they're actually in that situation they act totally differently.

    Wrong! I sit there. I doubt I could claim my TS10 and extra interest against the 'estate'.
    My friends colleague got a penalty for doing exactly what this thread is about.
  • brat
    brat Posts: 2,533 Forumite
    Most emergency service drivers would/should be completely familiar with the light systems in their area, and plan their drive accordingly. It's very easy to 'offside' at most sets of lights, moving out early for maximum view.
    I would never expect a motorist to move through a stop line for me. Quite a few do, usually because their 'plan' for my progress is slightly different to mine. If I can, they get a wave of thanks.

    We don't have traffic light cameras, so the prosecution situation would never arise, but I'd like to think that every emergency service driver who has 'caused' another driver to go beyond the stop line of a camera controlled red light system would have the decency to have the matter tagged on their incident log, (in the case of the police it should be tagged for the attention of the ticket office).
    Clearly their actions are not the type of action that should be prosecuted.
    Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler.
  • harveybobbles
    harveybobbles Posts: 8,973 Forumite
    I just make sure I stop a few feet behind the stop line incase I have to move out of the way. And when in the traffic I will leave enough room to swing my car out of the way.

    Drivers of RRV's are trained not to pressure people to get out of the way in these situations.
  • 1.do not cross the stop line at a red traffic light, not in any emergency unless instructed to do so via uniformed police officer (wich is a rare occurance in this day and age).

    2.DO NOT cross double solid white lines, and obey the speed limit, even if the ambulance and police or fire engine is up your backside yelling at you to pull in to the verge, find a spot that is safe to allow them to pass or to BE stopped.

    3. dont stop on the roundabout, give room for them to pass but if theres not continue to go around the roundabout and pull in when your clear of your exit and use your indicators.

    avoid short sharp actions, your manouvor should be planned and executed smoothly and safely.
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 352.1K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253.5K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 454.2K Spending & Discounts
  • 245.1K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 600.7K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 177.4K Life & Family
  • 258.9K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.2K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.6K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.