Police Sirens - What to do where you hear it?

wazza

As it states in the highway code when you hear sirens from an emergency vehicle behind you you are supposed to pull over safely to one side to let it through. What happens if :-

1. you are at traffic lights which are showing red? Are you allowed to cross the stop line?

2. If you are in a lane next to a 24 hour bus lane are you allowed to pull over into the bus lane?

Have read stories where someone was fined crossing a traffic light when it was showing red and also someone was fined pulling into the bus lane etc

Has an emergency vehicle with flashing sirens allow you to break the law to get out of the way?

What happens if you don't give way in fear of breaking a law?

Thanks in advance for any replies

TheOne

I remember once I was at some traffic lights, and there was police car coming from behind. I was in the right hand lane to turn right, and there was a queue in the left lane to turn left. (At this particular junction the left lane get a green filter arrow first, but the lights were red at the time) The police car came up behind me, so I had to move. As I had to go through a red to get out of his way, it seemed safer for me to go left, so I looked and went left (Happened to be the wrong way a bit for me, but wasnt too far out of my way). That's that really

ManAtHome

Generally get out of the way as long as it's safe - you need to size up what's going to be the easiest route for the emergency vehicle, not unreasonable to go though red lights, into bus lanes etc if the rest of the traffic has stopped. I usually take the view that I'd argue about it later - haven't heard of any fines for getting out of the way, do you have any links..?

mrbadexample

wazza wrote: »

pull over safely to one side

I don't know, but I think the key point is above - safely. I've been at red traffic lights when Trumpton have come steaming up behind me with all the lights and sirens going. I just pulled forward, and moved to the side. I didn't pull so far forward as to be in the path of the traffic with the green light. As for the bus lane, yep, I'd use it.

It would be pretty harsh to get nicked for that.

arnie&caseysma!

wazza wrote: »

As it states in the highway code when you hear sirens from an emergency vehicle behind you you are supposed to pull over safely to one side to let it through. What happens if :-

1. you are at traffic lights which are showing red? Are you allowed to cross the stop line? Haven't heard of anyone being prosecuted for this, you would only be going a very short distance to allow you to pull to the side for the emergency vehicle to get through, though I would be more concerned about being aware of vehicles crossing your path whilst stopped at lights.

2. If you are in a lane next to a 24 hour bus lane are you allowed to pull over into the bus lane? If the bus lane is empty I would think that the emergency vehicle would use it rather than causing anyone to pull into it, but in the case of receiving tickets for it you would have reasonable cause to appeal and have them check the cameras/make enquiries as the emergency vehicle would undoubtedly be seen on the camera

Have read stories where someone was fined crossing a traffic light when it was showing red and also someone was fined pulling into the bus lane etc

Has an emergency vehicle with flashing sirens allow you to break the law to get out of the way?

What happens if you don't give way in fear of breaking a law?

Thanks in advance for any replies

Not heard of anyone being prosecuted for the above, I think the common sense approach is appropriate in all cases.

Crabman

There have been cases where people were fined £60 + 3 points for crossing a red light even when an emergency vehicle was behind them - it seems the only time you can do so is when directed by a police officer - otherwise all traffic signs must be complied with:

Highway Code - 219

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_069858

Emergency and Incident Support vehicles. You should look and listen for ambulances, fire engines, police, doctors or other emergency vehicles using flashing blue, red or green lights and sirens or flashing headlights, or Highways Agency Traffic Officer and Incident Support vehicles using flashing amber lights. When one approaches do not panic. Consider the route of such a vehicle and take appropriate action to let it pass, while complying with all traffic signs. If necessary, pull to the side of the road and stop, but try to avoid stopping before the brow of a hill, a bend or narrow section of road. Do not endanger yourself, other road users or pedestrians and avoid mounting the kerb. Do not brake harshly on approach to a junction or roundabout, as a following vehicle may not have the same view as you.

Markyt

A friend of mine was done, even after appeal, when he crossed a stop line at traffic lights to let a fire engine through. The houses can burn next time.

vikingaero

Crabman wrote: »

There have been cases where people were fined £60 + 3 points for crossing a red light even when an emergency vehicle was behind them - it seems the only time you can do so is when directed by a police officer - otherwise all traffic signs must be complied with:

Surely a Police car behind you with blues and twos and sirens is a Police Officer giving you directions?! Although there was that chap who got a fine for it.

I'll move over if it is safe to do so. That Police Car/Ambulance/Fire Engine could be going to your house, your childrens house or your parents house.

suffolkb

I was at the lights once on my motorbike when a police car with flashing lights pulled up behind me. There was a cop standing at the lights looking at me. When the police in the car put their siren on, I went through the red light. I would have been really annoyed if the other cop had then done me, but nothing happened. This was before they had cameras pointed at the lights. I might do differently now.

Jorgan_2

If there was a bus lane, personally I'd leave it clear for the emergency services to use. If you find yourself in the scenario where you have to go thru a red light to a path for an emergency services vehicle, I would try and get the registration number of the vehicle, so at least you have a point of reference should you get a ticket.

N9eav

Having been in the other seat so to speak, there is a sticker in the vehicle which tells you that the "use of sirens and light does not give you right of way over other vehicles".
However when responding to incidents you do want to get there as soon as possible.

e.g If you have been involved in a road trafic accident it seems like hours before the emergency services get to you. As far as you are concerned they can't get there soon enough!

Just be sensible and try to move to one side safely or slow down. Do not panic and force yourself off the road! The driver of the Emergency service vehicle will find a way through any gap.

But be SMART!!!! The worst thing is people who stop on the brow of a hill for you, or on a bend, Or next to a traffic island. The very worst are the old people who don't see you or hear you and trundle along in the middle of the road at 30mph totally oblivious to your presence!!!

Just think where can I create a space for the vehicle to get through. Oh and don't forget to look as often cars or trucks come in pairs...