Motorists across the UK are being urged to think twice before taking action when an emergency vehicle approaches with flashing blue lights.
While the instinct to move aside is natural, the London Ambulance Service Trust (LAS) has issued a stern warning: some actions, although well-intentioned, could result in fines and potentially dangerous consequences.
This advice follows increased attention on emergency services, especially in the capital where Newham Council has leased additional space to the London Ambulance Service to help improve response times and expand operations across busy urban areas.
Red Light? Stay Where You Are
The LAS took to Facebook to clarify a commonly misunderstood situation. Their message was unequivocal: “Stopped at a Red Light? Stay Put! Emergency vehicles will find a way around stationary traffic if safe. If our crews consider it unsafe to pass, they will remain a safe distance behind the queue, turn sirens off (but keep lights on), and wait until they can proceed safely.
If an emergency vehicle is behind you at a red light, do not cross the white line — this is a traffic offence. Our crews will find a way around stationary traffic if safe, which may include using oncoming lanes or a filter lane. If you’re first in the queue, remain where you are until the light turns green or until the emergency vehicle has safely passed.”
The advice might seem counterintuitive, particularly in a high-pressure moment, but the ambulance service insists this protocol is essential for maintaining safety and avoiding unlawful behaviour. Drivers who cross the white line at a red signal — even to make way for an ambulance — are committing a traffic offence.
Costly Consequences for Drivers Acting on Instinct
Instances of drivers being penalised for such actions are not uncommon. One such case involved Frank Wallington, who was issued a £100 fine and three penalty points after edging his BMW past the white line on a red light to let an ambulance pass on the A52 in Nottingham. Although his intention was to help, the decision proved costly.
Wallington was captured on camera crossing the line 1.2 seconds after the signal had turned red. Despite denying the offence, he was ultimately convicted and ordered to pay a total of £874, including a £220 fine, along with receiving three points on his driving licence.
Divided Opinions from the Public
The LAS’s post has prompted a wave of responses, with many expressing anxiety and frustration at the idea of staying still while an ambulance is seemingly delayed behind them.
Beca commented: “Sitting at a red light holding up an ambulance which is sat behind me with its lights on is giving me anxiety just thinking about it.
What if someone is choking? What if it’s a heart attack? What if someone is bleeding out!? their life is now in MY hands… every second counts… and I’m meant to just sit here IN THE WAY!?”
Felicity added: “It just feels so wrong to sit there knowing a critically ill person is being delayed because you can’t just move over. Completely understand others point about it not always being safe etc. It’s just human nature not to be the person holding up an emergency vehicle.”
Paul echoed this sentiment: “I would rather move a car’s length over a white line and get a fine, than somebody dies because an ambulance had to wait at a red light!”
However, others supported the ambulance service’s stance, highlighting the importance of letting trained professionals make the call.
Matthew replied: “The whole point is, you’re not trained or qualified to decide if it is safe. If you pull out and get hit, you’re definitely going to stop the ambulance getting where it needs to be. Stay where you are and let the professionals decide what’s safe or not.”
Sarah reinforced the message: “The ambulance trust are literally telling you not to get out of their way because they’ll find a way around you and you all think you know better. Does it not occur to you that by randomly pulling out, over, etc you’re making it harder for them to get past you?”
What the Rules Actually Say
According to Driving Test Success, understanding the law around emergency vehicles is crucial: “If you clock blue flashing lights behind you, then this is an emergency vehicle. Many don’t know that getting out of the way can sometimes lead to a fine if done incorrectly.
The general rule is that if you see this kind of vehicle, you must slow down and get out of the way so the emergency vehicle can move past you without disturbance. What you might need to learn is that whilst doing so, you must keep within the letter of the law.
This means, no jumping red lights or stopping in yellow box junctions or bus lanes to make space, as you’d still be breaking the law and will likely be prosecuted. The best thing that you can do is move your vehicle to the side of the road and come to a controlled and safe stop. This needs to be done without committing any motoring offences and without putting anyone else around you at risk.”
