Motorways

Motorways Traffic (England and Wales) Regulations 1982

Regulation 16(1)(d) of the England and Wales Regulations permit any persons in the exercise of their duty as a member of a Fire Brigade to use a motorway otherwise than in accordance with the provisions of the appropriate Regulations.

The effect of this exemption would therefore allow a member of a Fire Brigade in the exercise of their duty to, stop on a carriageway, reverse the vehicle, drive against the traffic flow, or perform a U-turn.

In view of the dangerous traffic conditions on a motorway, advantage of this exemption should only be taken when essential, and be carried out so as to minimise any danger of inconvenience. Manoeuvres involving movement against the flow of traffic must only be undertaken with the assistance of the Police or Highways Agency.

All Fire Service drivers will approach incidents with extreme caution, bearing in mind that further incidents may have occurred at locations prior to the one identified on the original call. If additional incidents are encountered, details will be passed as a priority to MACC, (mobilsing and control centre) but appliances and crew will proceed to the incident to which they were mobilised, and will not stop at incidents encountered en route.

The only occasion any Fire Service vehicle will enter or travel "contra flow" on a motorway will be under the strict approval, guidance and control of the Police or Highways Agency.

When rejoining a ‘live’ carriageway from the hard shoulder following an incident, permission/assistance should be sought from the attending agency. The agency will make the necessary arrangements for appliances to safely proceed back onto the carriageway.