logo
All UK drivers issued £1,000 warning over simple mistake

All UK drivers issued £1,000 warning over simple mistake

Not only does this minimise the risk of accidents, but incorrectly letting an ambulance pass could result in a fine of up to £1,000.
The Highway Code instructs motorists to give way to vehicles with flashing lights, including police cars, fire engines, ambulances and emergency doctors.
But if you break the law while doing so, for example by entering a yellow box junction or bus lane, or by driving through a red light, penalties may be severe. Not only can you be fined, but some offences can also add three penalty points to your licence.
The Highway Codes 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."
Recommended reading:
It advises motorists to stop ahead of a hill's brow, to never mount the kerb, ensure others aren't put in jeopardy, and to avoid abrupt braking.
Further guidance found on the Blue Light Aware website reads: 'Of course, there will be times when there simply is no room for an emergency service vehicle to get past, or perhaps its crew are activated by their control room to respond to an emergency while they are waiting with everyone else at the traffic lights.
'On these occasions, they know that other motorists are not allowed to 'jump' the red light, and the emergency vehicle would ideally not activate its sirens and lights until it was safe for the vehicle in front to cross the solid white line at the junction."

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Highway Code: Drivers face £50 fine over roundabout mistake
Highway Code: Drivers face £50 fine over roundabout mistake

South Wales Guardian

time3 hours ago

  • South Wales Guardian

Highway Code: Drivers face £50 fine over roundabout mistake

A recent study from Compare the Market found that one in six drivers believe roundabouts make their journeys more stressful. And motoring experts at the insurance firm warn that almost six million of us are not following roundabout rules correctly, leaving us in danger of getting a £50 fine. Compare the Market's study found some drivers were failing to give way to the right at roundabout junctions. Rule 185 of the Highway Code states: 'Always give priority to the traffic coming from the right, unless you have been directed otherwise by signs, road markings or traffic lights.' Furthermore, more than half of UK licence holders (55%) could be at risk of the same fine due to driving over mini-roundabouts. Nearly half (48%) admit to driving over a raised roundabout and almost two-thirds (62%) to driving over a flat one. Rules 188 to 190 of the Highway Code reveal that when it comes to mini-roundabouts the regulations are no different from regular roundabouts - 'It is important to remember that all vehicles must pass round the central markings, unless they are too large to do so. You will find that when driving around mini-roundabouts there is less room to manoeuvre and less time to signal, so take extra care.' Julie Daniels from the car insurance team at Compare the Market says: 'Although you can take the same precautions at a roundabout as you would at any other junction, using a roundabout is considered a complex manoeuvre - it's eye opening to find out how many drivers are unaware of the correct signals and manoeuvres, or simply ignore the rules put in place to keep themselves and other road users safe. 'We encourage drivers to refresh their knowledge of proper procedures when using a roundabout junction to prevent fines and avoid any potential accidents. 'In addition to learning - and doing - the correct manoeuvres, make sure you always slow your speed and give yourself enough time to react, watch out for pedestrian crossings, cyclists and drivers crossing the roundabout in the wrong lane and remember to use the mirror-signal-manoeuvre process, which involves checking your mirrors and signalling, before making your move.'

Highway Code: Drivers face £50 fine over roundabout mistake
Highway Code: Drivers face £50 fine over roundabout mistake

Rhyl Journal

time4 hours ago

  • Rhyl Journal

Highway Code: Drivers face £50 fine over roundabout mistake

A recent study from Compare the Market found that one in six drivers believe roundabouts make their journeys more stressful. And motoring experts at the insurance firm warn that almost six million of us are not following roundabout rules correctly, leaving us in danger of getting a £50 fine. Compare the Market's study found some drivers were failing to give way to the right at roundabout junctions. Rule 185 of the Highway Code states: 'Always give priority to the traffic coming from the right, unless you have been directed otherwise by signs, road markings or traffic lights.' Furthermore, more than half of UK licence holders (55%) could be at risk of the same fine due to driving over mini-roundabouts. Nearly half (48%) admit to driving over a raised roundabout and almost two-thirds (62%) to driving over a flat one. Rules 188 to 190 of the Highway Code reveal that when it comes to mini-roundabouts the regulations are no different from regular roundabouts - 'It is important to remember that all vehicles must pass round the central markings, unless they are too large to do so. You will find that when driving around mini-roundabouts there is less room to manoeuvre and less time to signal, so take extra care.' Julie Daniels from the car insurance team at Compare the Market says: 'Although you can take the same precautions at a roundabout as you would at any other junction, using a roundabout is considered a complex manoeuvre - it's eye opening to find out how many drivers are unaware of the correct signals and manoeuvres, or simply ignore the rules put in place to keep themselves and other road users safe. 'We encourage drivers to refresh their knowledge of proper procedures when using a roundabout junction to prevent fines and avoid any potential accidents. 'In addition to learning - and doing - the correct manoeuvres, make sure you always slow your speed and give yourself enough time to react, watch out for pedestrian crossings, cyclists and drivers crossing the roundabout in the wrong lane and remember to use the mirror-signal-manoeuvre process, which involves checking your mirrors and signalling, before making your move.'

Ayrshire drivers learn more about road safety at interactive event
Ayrshire drivers learn more about road safety at interactive event

Daily Record

time5 hours ago

  • Daily Record

Ayrshire drivers learn more about road safety at interactive event

The 'I Drive' event offered drivers at all levels to learn more about road safety. A successful 'I Drive' event, run in partnership by the Ayrshire Roads Alliance and North Ayrshire Council, recently offered drivers at all levels the chance to learn more about road safety. Held at East Ayrshire Council HQ in Kilmarnock, the day started with presentations from leading voices in road safety including Michael McDonnell, Director of Road Safety Scotland, and Allan Mauchline, RoSPA Regional Co-Ordinator for Scotland and Ireland. ‌ Guests also got to take part in interactive activities such as an online mock Highway Code test, hazard perception test, and brake reaction testing. ‌ Outdoor demonstrations included Fire and Rescue cutting equipment in action and virtual reality headsets showing a road traffic collision. The day ended with a Question Time session where guests were able to ask the experts questions. Councillor Jim McMahon, Cabinet Spokesperson for Transport and Communities, said: "Events like this are a vital part of our collective approach to improving road safety across Ayrshire. "By supporting drivers in this interactive way, we're helping to prevent collisions and promote responsible driving. "Thanks to everyone who came along."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store