Police Sirens - What to do where you hear it?

Markyt

Jorgan wrote: »

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.

Waste of time. In my mates case, they had a photo of the fire engine going through with the same timestamp as the picture of him. Still had to pay the fine.

exel1966

The problems arise when cameras come into play as they do not show the full 'picture'.

It only shows that an offence was comitted. FULLSTOP. There have been numerous press/media articles over the years relating to this and shamefully common sense has not prevailed when those unfortunate enough to be snapped have appealed.

This is one of those many occasions when the law is proven to be an !!! as it clearly states in black and white that you should 'comply with all traffic signs' in circumstances of this nature.

You can't win ! If you stayed put whilst a police vehicle was trying to get through would you charged with obstructing a police officer in his duty ? Very extreme, but it COULD happen.

nej

The thing to remember is that the emergency vehicle drivers are highly trained in driving through traffic. It is their job to find a way, not your job to make it.

If I was at a red light without a camera, I'd move through it to let an emergency vehicle pass. If there was a camera, then I wouldn't. As much as I want to help, I don't want a fine and points on my license (leading to higher insurance costs) for my trouble.

The real problem is the system that will punish you for helping out.

seftonsun

You must not break the law - period. Emergency vehicles have limited exemption to do so when responding to a bone fide emergency, but then only when safe to do so.

As indicated above, the emergency vehicle drivers' are trained (supposedly?) to navigate through traffic when attending an emergency call. If you break the law you are guilty. Yes the law may be an !!!, but the Judge or Magistrate is only there to enforce what Parliament have set down. In some instances they have to interpret the law and there is some discretion. But going through a red light or in to an operational bus lane is an absolute offence and they will have no discretion but to find you guilty. Your only option is that they will take mitigation in to account.

Always pull over and indicate your intention if safe and appropriate to do so. Otherwise let the trained and experienced professional make the decision on how to proceed, not you.

Jem8472

the people that I really hate are the drivers that just stopped when they hear or see an emergency vheicle.

It really bugs me where there is no reason to stop and people do.

Poppycat

I had this a few weeks ago on a evening two lanes at lights with cars. The lane I was in no one behind accept emergency vehicle I pulled forward through redlight and let him pass, I didnt obstruct other traffic though

Last night I came across temporarily lights one lane only so both sides has to use that one side of road. I saw ambulance when I was half way through ahead as soon as I got through I pulled up they were in a long queue about 8 cars back. so they that could go through

movilogo

The OP has posted the question here as well

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?f=2&t=59294

watcherman

wazza wrote: »

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

No

wazza wrote: »

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

No.

wazza wrote: »

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

No

wazza wrote: »

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

Unless they could prove you had been deliberately obstructive, nothing.

As others have said, consider where to stop, a well driven police car will not just land on your rear bumper, it will approach at a speed that gives you plenty of time to see/hear it, so you have time to react and plan where to stop.

If you have absolutely nowhere to go, ie along a long section of solid white lines on a blind bend, keep going, maybe stick the indicator on to the left to show you have seen them, but keep going and pull in at the first safe opportunity.

The police are the one's with exemptions, not you, so do what you can, but don't compromise your safety or licence.

anewman

wazza wrote: »

Police Sirens - What to do where you hear it?

Turn the switch off and quit pretending to be the police to get through traffic

On a serious note, I have had the police direct me to go through a red light as there had been an accident at the junction and the police were controlling the traffic flow. So surely if it's as strict as the red lights mean not to go, and ignore anyone else, then something's wrong somewhere.

movilogo

See here
http://www.thisislancashire.co.uk/mostpopular.var.1700710.mostviewed.motorist_fined_for_red_light_good_deed.php

Someone is £370 out of pocket for going thru red light to allow an emergency vehicle.

The law is illegal