Avoid Being Fined For Moving for Ambulances!

It's completely understandable to follow your instinct to get out of the way of an emergency vehicle, by any means necessary. No one would really blame you!

However, if you're not careful, you could end up costing yourself a hefty fine. 

Road laws always apply, whatever the situation, and you will still need to comply with relevant traffic signs and regulations - regardless of the situation.

Examples of which include: entering a bus lane, stopping in a yellow box junction or running a red light.

CCTV cameras are more commonly being used to fine motorists for offences such as these. Getting out of the way for an ambulance, police car or fire engine will NOT exempt you from paying fines.

For example, you could be fined £100 + 3 penalty points for running a red light, even if it's at minuscule speed to edge out of the way of an ambulance behind you.

The Highway Code is clear on what you should do in this situation:

"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.”

The Highway Code - Rule 219

So all in all, the key is not to panic. Resist all temptations to do something on the road you wouldn't normally do. If it isn't safe or appropriate to stop, simply keep driving until it is. The Emergency Services driver will do the work in getting around you in a clear & safe manner, they are trained to do this.

As long as you're doing all you can to make their life easier, within the boundaries of the law, that's all they expect from you. They DO NOT expect you to break the law deliberately.