Motorists have been warned they could face a hefty £2,500 fine and even lose their licence for breaking road rules while moving out of the way of an ambulance.
According to motoring experts at LeaseCar.uk, drivers in the UK 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. The penalty for incorrectly moving out of the way for a blue light vehicle can be severe. Motorists could be slapped with a £2,500 fine, handed a driving ban and receive penalty points on their licence.
In more serious cases where drivers may have put themselves or others at risk, it could lead to prosecution and a dangerous driving charge. Ignoring traffic lights or road signs is considered dangerous driving and could result in harsher punishments including an unlimited fine and a driving ban.
Even pulling into a yellow box junction or entering a bus lane to let an emergency vehicle pass could land drivers with a hefty £1000 fine, reports Bristol Live. 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 instructs drivers not to panic when they hear sirens and to comply with all traffic signs while ensuring their actions don't put themselves, other road users, or pedestrians at risk.
Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk warns: "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."
He advises: "We are not saying for one minute not to move for emergency vehicles but please ensure it's done safely and within the law." Alcock further explains that breaking traffic laws in the process of moving aside could result in a careless or dangerous driving charge, along with substantial fines and penalty points.
For instance, he notes: "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."