Motorists face £2500 fine for letting ambulances pass

Motorists have been warned they could be slapped with a £2500 fine and driving disqualification for moving out of the way of an ambulance.

Motoring experts at LeaseCar.uk have told UK drivers they risk breaking traffic laws and being prosecuted for letting an emergency vehicle pass.

Motorists could risk being charged with careless driving if they fail to follow road rules, even if they are moving out of the way of an emergency vehicle.

Rule 219 of the Highway Code says motorists must take the appropriate action to let an emergency vehicle pass, while still complying with all traffic signs.

Motorists could be fined £2,500, given a driving disqualification and handed penalty points for moving out of the way for a blue light vehicle in the wrong circumstances. 

In cases where motorists could have endangered themselves or other road users while moving, it could also lead to prosecution and a dangerous driving charge. 

Ignoring traffic lights or road signs counts as dangerous driving and could lead to more extreme punishments including an unlimited fine and driving disqualification. 

Pulling into a yellow box junction or entering a bus lane to let an emergency vehicle pass could also land drivers with a £1000 fine.

Motorists who make an illegal turn, drive down a one-way street or mount a curb while letting an emergency vehicle pass could be handed a hefty fine.

If an emergency vehicle approaches, the Highway Code states motorists should avoid panicking, comply with all traffic signs and ensure they are not doing anything to endanger themselves, other road users or pedestrians.

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.”