Drivers could face £2,500 fine and ban for letting ambulance pass

Drivers have been warned they could face a £2,500 fine and disqualification from driving for driving away from 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.

Drivers could risk being charged with careless driving if they don’t follow the rules of the road, even if they move out of the way of an emergency vehicle. Rule 219 of the Highway Code says drivers must take appropriate action to let an emergency vehicle pass while obeying all traffic signs.

Drivers could be fined £2,500, given a driving disqualification and given penalty points for pulling out of the way for a blue light vehicle in the wrong circumstances. In cases where drivers may have endangered themselves or other road users while driving, 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 extreme penalties, including an unlimited fine and disqualification from driving. 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.

Drivers who make an illegal U-turn, drive down a one-way street or climb a curb while letting an emergency vehicle pass could face a hefty fine. If an emergency vehicle is approaching, the Highway Code states that drivers should avoid panicking, obey all traffic signs and ensure they do nothing to endanger themselves, other road users or the pedestrians.

Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk said: “Many drivers in the UK will be shocked to learn they face staggering fines for letting an emergency vehicle pass. With the best of intentions, most people’s instinct is to move away when they hear sirens so that ambulance drivers, firefighters and police officers can quickly get to an emergency.

“We’re not saying for a minute not to move for emergency vehicles, but please make sure it’s done safely and in accordance with the law.”

“If drivers break road laws while veering off the road, they could be charged with careless or dangerous driving and face huge fines and penalty points. For example, going through a red light for an emergency vehicle is a traffic light offense and could land drivers with a discretionary disqualification or a huge fine because it could lead to an accident.

“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.

“It’s stressful to be stuck with a blue light vehicle behind you, but it’s important to keep a cool head and always follow the rules of the road to avoid being stung with avoidable fines.”