Drivers 'unaware of fines for assisting emergency services'

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has published findings regarding the clarity of laws surrounding when it is legal for road users to get out of the way for emergency service vehicles and when it is not.

According to research carried out by the organisation, 74 per cent of UK motorists state they regularly move to get out of the way of oncoming emergency service vehicles, but just 34 per cent claim to be aware of when it is legal to do so.

Under current legislation, drivers who enter a bus lane during its scheduled time of operation could face a fine for their actions, even though they are doing so in order to allow an emergency vehicle to pass.

Furthermore, 50 per cent of Brits say they would drive through a red light to make room, but this too is an offence.

As a result, the results showed that 86 per cent of respondents are in favour of scrapping fines for those who enter bus lanes, while just 31 per cent back a similar change in law for those who break a red light.

IAM chief executive Simon Best commented: "Road users must be on the lookout for emergency service vehicles and move out of the way where possible but laws have been put in place for the safety of all road users.

"Our survey shows clear support for more clarity and new ways of ensuring police, fire and ambulance personnel get to incidents with maximum speed and minimum risk to themselves and others."

He added that simply fining people is not the way to improve education on the safe and legal methods for making room for these essential vehicles.

Meanwhile, a raft of new digital speed cameras are to be installed across the UK in the coming months, with the devices able to record in real-time any speeding offences by motorists and then send this data direct to control rooms across the country.

Convicted drivers can contact Performance Direct for all insurance advice.  We insure many convicted drivers across the UK and can save you time and money.

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