Yahoo News Drivers could be fined £2,500 for moving out of the way of an ambulance
Drivers have been warned they could face a hefty £2,500 fine and even lose their licence for moving out of the way of an ambulance.
According to motoring experts at LeaseCar.uk, UK drivers risk breaking traffic laws and being prosecuted for letting an emergency vehicle pass. Even if you're trying to do the right thing by moving out of the way of an emergency vehicle, you could still be charged with careless driving if you don't follow road rules.
Rule 219 of the Highway Code states that drivers must take appropriate action to let an emergency vehicle pass, but this must still comply with all traffic signs. If you move out of the way for a blue light vehicle in the wrong circumstances, you could be slapped with a £2,500 fine, disqualified from driving and given penalty points.
READ MORE:
If your actions could have put yourself or other road users in danger, 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.
Even pulling into a yellow box junction or entering a bus lane to let an emergency vehicle pass could land drivers with a £1,000 fine. Motorists could be slapped with a hefty fine for making an illegal turn, driving the wrong way down a one-way street or even mounting the curb to let an emergency vehicle pass.
The Highway Code urges drivers not to panic when they hear sirens and to comply with all traffic signs, ensuring their actions don't put themselves, other road users, or pedestrians at risk, reports WalesOnline.
Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk 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."
