29-09-2012, 11:24
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#16
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Re: fewer prosecutions for emergency services
Quote:
Originally Posted by danielf
I'm not sure if it's an accident when an offence has been committed. There's rules that Emergency services need to adhere to. If they flout these rules and people get injured/die, then prosecution is in order in my opinion.
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They are allowed to commit certain offences in the course of their job
Quote:
Blue Light Exemptions
There is no authority that issues permission to use blue, green or amber lights on your vehicle. You must just follow the law.
Any driver can drive using blue lights without needing any higher qualification that a driving licence. Most services do insist on their drivers undergoing some form of advanced driver training though, and there are moves to establishing a national standard.
While using blue lights, drivers are exempt from a number of motoring regulations, including
- treating a red traffic light as a give way sign
- passing to the wrong side of a keep left bollard
- driving on a motorway hard shoulder (even against the direction of traffic)
- disobeying the speed limit (police, fire and ambulance services only)
However, they are not allowed to
- ignore a 'no entry' sign
- ignore a 'stop' or 'give way' sign
- drive the wrong way down a one-way street
- ignore flashing signs at level crossings or fire stations
- cross a solid white line down the middle of the road*
*except in the same circumstances as everyone else (for instance to pass a stationary vehicle, slow moving cyclist or horse, or a road maintenance vehicle). This can cause problems for emergency drivers when other road users slow to let them pass where road markings indicate no overtaking.
Sometimes emergency vehicles may need to disobey other signs and regulations. This will depend on the professional judgment of the driver.
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http://www.ukemergency.co.uk/index.p...&Itemid=61#ble
---------- Post added at 12:24 ---------- Previous post was at 12:23 ----------
Quote:
Originally Posted by tizmeinnit
your view on PC Dougal's innocence is not shared by all either
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nor was his guilt
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