Drivers have been told they could see themselves get into hot water and a hefty fine if they move to the wrong place
We’ve all been in a situation – be it as a passenger or driver – where we need to pull over to let an ambulance through. But do you know there are places all drivers should “avoid” moving to?
That’s according to the Highway Code. On its website, the UK Government has listed the rules people driving in our country need to follow.
Under Rule 219, it talks about emergency and incident support vehicles. This includes the police, fire engines, ambulance, doctors and “other emergency vehicles using flashing blue, red or green lights and sirens or flashing headlights, or traffic officer and incident support vehicles using flashing amber lights”.
Telling people not to “panic”, it suggests people first comply with “all traffic signs” while considering where the flashing vehicle needs to go. For example, if you have an ambulance behind you, drivers should “pull to the side of the road and stop”.
However, you should “avoid” stopping in some areas. This includes:
- before the brow of a hill
- before a bend or narrow section of road
The experts further ask people behind the wheel to “not endanger yourself, other road users or pedestrians and avoid mounting the kerb”.
It also suggests: “Do not brake harshly on approach to a junction or roundabout, as a following vehicle may not have the same view as you.”
In another warning to motorists, RAC Drive notes that drivers could be slapped with a hefty fine if they, for example, enter a bus lane, stop in a yellow box junction or drive through a red traffic light while moving for an ambulance.
It said: “As CCTV cameras are increasingly being used to fine motorists for offences such as these – especially in city centres – getting out of the way for an ambulance, police car or fire engine may not exempt you from paying fines.”
For example, drivers could have to pay a FPN – fixed penalty notice – of £100 and you could get three penalty points on your licence for jumping a red light, even if you are driving slow. It warns that if it goes to court, the consequences could be even bigger, so be sure to follow the rules and stay safe.