Red Traffic Lights

Can a fire engine proceed through a red light? Yes, the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 1994 apply.

On an occasion when a vehicle is being used for Fire Brigade, Ambulance or Police purposes and the observance of the red signal would be likely to hinder the use of that vehicle for the purpose for which it is being used on that occasion, then the prohibition shall not apply to that vehicle, but instead, the prohibition shall be that the vehicle shall not proceed beyond the stop line or signals in such a manner as:

Likely to cause danger to any other vehicle.

Likely to necessitate the driver to change speed or course in order to avoid an accident.

How should a fire appliance proceed through the lights?

A fire appliance should proceed through the lights under extreme caution. At a very slow speed prepared to stop. To the majority of the public a green light is a go signal, and as such are proceeding with a mental "Go Intention". The split second decision required if an emergency vehicle is proceeding against a red light is often insufficient for them to take the necessary action expected by the driver of the emergency vehicle.

What if i have a fire engine behind me at a red traffic light? Do i go?

If you have a fire engine behind you it may feel as if you are being pushed to go through the traffic light. If you do proceed to cross the white line, in 98% of cases you will be prosecuted in doing so, unless you can prove special circumstances. There are many cases on the internet for you to read about - all leading in prosecution.

If there is enough space or an appliance can go round you - it will. The driver has been trained to do so. As a driver of a domestic vehicle (non emergency vehicle) if you leave a gap between the one in front, and do not stop right up to the white line at traffic lights, there will be suffient room to move out of the way without crossing the line.

All Fire Service drivers are reminded that the responsibility for avoiding danger or difficulty to other road users, including pedestrians, who are facing a green light signal, will rest with the Fire Service driver. The regulations do not remove the responsibility of the driver if involved in an accident.

 

In the court case (DPP v Harris 7 March 1994), the case, which was dismissed
by magistrates, against a Police Officer involved in an accident whilst proceeding
through a red traffic light, was on appeal to the Queens bench proved. As a
result, all drivers must take note of the statements made in the case by
Lord Justice McCowan.
The Officer was prosecuted for driving without due care and attention, and Lord
Justice McCowan made the following statements:
"The care due would have involved waiting for a couple of seconds at the
junction or edging slowly forward, being prepared to stop if there had been
a vehicle in the lane crossing the junction".

"That the court would have looked at all the circumstances, including the
nature of the emergency, in order to assess the reasonableness and
proportionality of what had been done".

"All the defendant needed to have done in order to avoid the risk of serious
injury or even death was to have stopped for a couple of seconds before
crossing the junction, or to have edged forward slowly".

"On the facts, the defence of necessity was not in any event open to the
defendant because he had not acted reasonably and proportionately".
In the court case referred to, the driver contended that his actions had arisen out
of necessity. However, the Judge stated, "The defence would only arise in
exceptional cases".

Rule 219 of the Highway Code

Emergency and Incident Support vehicles. 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 Highways Agency 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.