Red lights - emergency services.

[Grounhopper Mark.]

Today, had a police car in my rear mirror "blues and twos" (full sirens and lights) i was sitting at the red lights and had to cross the red and go out into the box, a camera flashed.

 

Now if there was film in there would i stand a chance of getting the case dropped, or still get 3 points and a fine of sixty quid?

 

A mate of mine, reckons that if you chose to cross the line that is your fault, would you expect the courts to see it that way, or will they be symphaphetic to moving out of the way of a police car. If the latter last time i move out the way.

 

Any judges, coppers or legel eagles on here.?

Edited January 27, 2010 by WA WTFC

[Ian_W]

Sorry, but I think your friend is correct.

Simple rule is do not cross the line if the lights are red - even if there is a police car behind. If someone hits you as a result of this, maybe distracted by the siren then you could be liable.

 

If the officer directly asked you to cross the line then you are covered as you are obeying an instruction - make sure you have their badge number etc.

 

There is a chance that the police car would also be recorded on camera as proof, but if the lights turn before he crosses then you have little proof that it was even there.

 

You are only obliged to get out the way of emergency vehicles if it is is both safe and legal to do so - so mounting the pavement is an offence as well (as well as may be damaging your tyres), even stopping to let them pass may be an offence on some roads.

 

Police and ambulance drivers have been prosecuted by cameras because the camera did not pick up their flashing lights - so an ordinary motorist does not stand a great chance.

[Grounhopper Mark.]

Sorry, but I think your friend is correct.

Simple rule is do not cross the line if the lights are red - even if there is a police car behind. If someone hits you as a result of this, maybe distracted by the siren then you could be liable.

 

If the officer directly asked you to cross the line then you are covered as you are obeying an instruction - make sure you have their badge number etc.

 

There is a chance that the police car would also be recorded on camera as proof, but if the lights turn before he crosses then you have little proof that it was even there.

 

You are only obliged to get out the way of emergency vehicles if it is is both safe and legal to do so - so mounting the pavement is an offence as well (as well as may be damaging your tyres), even stopping to let them pass may be an offence on some roads.

 

Police and ambulance drivers have been prosecuted by cameras because the camera did not pick up their flashing lights - so an ordinary motorist does not stand a great chance.

 

 

Thankyou for replying, all i can hope for is that they (police) were caught on film too.

[Big J R]

OK - As an 'ex', let me try and put the record straight.

 

Emergency service vehicle MAY cross red-lights, however, if they cause/have an accident which can be deemed to be negligent, the driver of that vehicle can and may be prosecuted.

 

As far as you are concerned, as long as you made a note of the date, location and EXACT time, you have the right to appeal the summons/ticket using the crew of the police vehicle in question to back you up that you were assisting them to proceed.

 

I find it hard to believe that a court would uphold the ticket.

Edited January 29, 2010 by Big J R

[Ian_W]

I agree with you Big J R, the problem being is that you can hardly stop the police car and ask them for their details and you would probably be breaking some other law if you wrote down their registration number of not being in full control of your vehicle.

[Big J R]

I agree with you Big J R, the problem being is that you can hardly stop the police car and ask them for their details and you would probably be breaking some other law if you wrote down their registration number of not being in full control of your vehicle.

 

 

Every 'Blues & Two's' calls are (or are supposed to be). logged in the control/cad room, hence it shouldn't be too hard to find out the vehicle/officers concerned.

[Ian_W]

supposed to be

 

I wonder how often they are used on non-emergency basis

[Grounhopper Mark.]

OK - As an 'ex', let me try and put the record straight.

 

Emergency service vehicle MAY cross red-lights, however, if they cause/have an accident which can be deemed to be negligent, the driver of that vehicle can and may be prosecuted.

 

As far as you are concerned, as long as you made a note of the date, location and EXACT time, you have the right to appeal the summons/ticket using the crew of the police vehicle in question to back you up that you were assisting them to proceed.

 

I find it hard to believe that a court would uphold the ticket.

 

Yes kept exact details of date, time, road junction and road names, the only thing i dont have is the registration of the police car, whcih flew past me once i got out of the way.

[Big J R]

Wait and see if you get a ticket.

[Grounhopper Mark.]

OK - As an 'ex', let me try and put the record straight.

 

Emergency service vehicle MAY cross red-lights, however, if they cause/have an accident which can be deemed to be negligent, the driver of that vehicle can and may be prosecuted.

 

As far as you are concerned, as long as you made a note of the date, location and EXACT time, you have the right to appeal the summons/ticket using the crew of the police vehicle in question to back you up that you were assisting them to proceed.

 

I find it hard to believe that a court would uphold the ticket.

 

Yes kept exact details of date, time, road junction and road names, the only thing i dont have is the registration of the police car, whcih flew past me once i got out of the way.

 

I have been told 14-28 days, diaried for the 27th February.