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Did you know that you can be fined for making way for an emergency vehicle?

09 November 2022

It happens to the best of us – we see flashing ambulance lights in our rear-view mirror, and we panic. In some cases, this panic can cause us to desperately manoeuvre our vehicle out of the way, giving little thought to the safety of the manoeuvre. 

Whilst the Highway Code encourages motorists to allow emergency vehicles past such as ambulances, police cars and fire engines, it is also important that drivers do so safely in order to avoid fines.

For example, pulling into a bus lane or driving through a red light to move out of the way could result in a fine which cannot be contested on the grounds of allowing an emergency vehicle to pass. 

Rule 219 of the Highway Code states: “You should look and listen for ambulances, fire engines, police, doctors or 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. When one approaches do not panic. Consider the route of such a vehicle and take appropriate action to let it pass, while complying with all traffic signs. If necessary, pull to the side of the road and stop, but try to avoid stopping before the brow of a hill, a bend or narrow section of road. Do not endanger yourself, other road users or pedestrians and avoid mounting the kerb. Do not brake harshly on approach to a junction or roundabout, as a following vehicle may not have the same view as you.”

Contract hire, accident management and driver risk assessment specialists

We at Marshall Leasing are dedicated to prioritising the safety of our fleet customers and ensuring that they have the safest vehicles on the road at all times. 

In addition to our contract hire, contract purchase and EV transition products, we also offer our clients risk management and associated services, to ensure that fleet managers are able to meet the duty of care they owe to their drivers. We are also able to assist with MarshallMatics telematics, which you can find more about here.

We would be delighted to answer any of your questions and queries, so please get in touch by emailing info@marshall-leasing.co.uk or by calling 01480 414541. Alternatively, please complete our contact form.  

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