What Highway Code and RAC say drivers should do when they see an emergency vehicle

Seen a fire engine, ambulance or police with the blues and twos on and just immediately pulled over to the side of the road.

An article today shows how vehicles pulled into a kerbed cycle lane to allow a fire engine through traffic in Whitelegg Way.

But what should you do when you see an emergency vehicle?

What does the Highway Code say?

"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 Highways Agency Traffic Officer and Incident Support vehicles using flashing amber lights.

"When one approaches do not panic. Consider the route of such a vehicle and take appropriate action to let it pass, while complying with all traffic signs.

"If necessary, pull to the side of the road and stop, but try to avoid stopping before the brow of a hill, a bend or narrow section of road.

"Do not endanger yourself, other road users or pedestrians and avoid mounting the kerb.

"Do not brake harshly on approach to a junction or roundabout, as a following vehicle may not have the same view as you."

Read the Highway Code here

Whitelegg Way image

What other advice should you follow?

The RAC also have some advice on this.

Their website says: "So the key is not to panic and always stay alert when driving.

"Resist temptation to stop in the middle of the road – this could block the route for the emergency vehicle – or to jump up the kerb.

"Keep driving until there’s a suitable place to pull over and use your common sense to avoid coming into conflict with other road users.

"It is important that people are aware of this advice so they can ensure they take the correct action when encountering an emergency services vehicle.

"If people panic and do not obey traffic laws, this could result in an incident which could endanger more lives or further impede the emergency service from getting through. 

"The issue of people taking the wrong action and then facing a fine is a common one and something our legal advice team regularly deal with.

"If you are issued with a fine that you feel is unfair because you were getting out of the way for an emergency vehicle, you may be able to appeal it."