Drivers could be fined £2,500 for moving out of the way of an ambulance

Motorists have been warned they could be hit with a hefty fine and even lose their licence for moving out of the way of an ambulance.

According to motoring experts at LeaseCar.uk, drivers risk breaking traffic laws and being prosecuted for letting an emergency vehicle pass. Even with good intentions, drivers could be charged with careless driving if they fail to adhere to road rules while trying to let an emergency vehicle through.

Rule 219 of the Highway Code stipulates that motorists must take appropriate action to allow an emergency vehicle to pass, but this must still comply with all traffic signs, reports Bristol Live. Even the most experienced drivers can forget certain rules, especially when they think they are doing the right thing.

The penalty for incorrectly moving out of the way for a blue light vehicle can be severe, with fines up to £2,500, a driving ban and penalty points on your licence. In instances where drivers may have put themselves or others in danger while manoeuvring, it could also lead to prosecution and a dangerous driving charge.

Ignoring traffic lights or road signs is considered dangerous driving and could result in more severe punishments including an unlimited fine and driving disqualification. Additionally, pulling into a yellow box junction or entering a bus lane to let an emergency vehicle pass could land drivers with a £1000 fine.

Drivers who do wrong manoeuvres, traverse one-way streets in the wrong direction, or bounce onto pavements in a bid to make way for emergency vehicles could be slapped with serious financial penalties. According to the Highway Code, drivers should not panic when an emergency vehicle approaches, should obey all traffic signs, and mustn't act in ways that might jeopardise their safety, other road users, or pedestrians,

Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk has said: "Many motorists in the UK will be shocked to find out they risk eye-watering fines for letting an emergency vehicle pass. With the best intentions, it is most people's instinct to move out of the way when they hear sirens so ambulance drivers, firefighters and police officers can get to an emergency quickly.

"We are not saying for one minute not to move for emergency vehicles but please ensure it's done safely and within the law.

"If drivers break traffic laws while moving out of the way, they could be handed a careless or dangerous driving charge and slapped with huge fines and penalty points. For example, moving through a red light for an emergency vehicle is a traffic light offence and could land drivers with a discretionary disqualification or hefty fine because it could lead to a crash.

"This may sound ridiculous and unfair, but anyone found to be endangering themselves or other road users will be punished for breaking the law if caught out. Getting stuck with a blue light vehicle behind you is stressful, but it is important to keep a cool head and always follow the rules of the road to avoid being stung with avoidable fines."

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