Drivers in London risk £1,000 fine and penalty points for letting ambulances pass

Motorists in Barnet and across London face a legal dilemma when emergency vehicles approach. Jumping a red light to clear a path, even for an ambulance, can result in three penalty points and a fine of up to £1,000. The South East Coast Ambulance Service has issued guidance clarifying that while drivers should make way, they must not break traffic laws to do so.

The warning follows confusion among drivers about how to respond when an ambulance, police car or fire engine approaches with blue lights flashing. Many assume that moving out of the way, regardless of traffic signals, is the priority. However, the ambulance service emphasises that road laws still apply, and drivers can be prosecuted for offences such as entering bus lanes or crossing red lights.

What the law says

Under the Emergency Workers (Obstruction) Act 2006, it is an offence to obstruct or hinder an emergency service vehicle. The law does not, however, permit drivers to ignore traffic signs or road markings. The South East Coast Ambulance Service stated on its website, as reported by MyLondon, that drivers must comply with all traffic signs while attempting to let emergency vehicles pass.

Highway Code Rule 219 advises motorists to consider the route of an emergency vehicle and take appropriate action to let it pass. It instructs drivers to pull over to the side of the road if possible, without endangering themselves or others. The rule explicitly warns against stopping before the brow of a hill, a bend or a narrow section of road, or mounting the kerb.

Penalties for breaking the rules

The RAC has outlined the consequences for drivers who break traffic laws while attempting to let emergency vehicles pass. Jumping a red light, even at low speed, can result in a fixed penalty notice of £100 and three penalty points. If the case goes to court, the fine can rise to £1,000. The RAC noted that there are very few legal defences for running a red light, even if the driver was making way for an emergency vehicle.

CCTV cameras, increasingly used in London to enforce traffic offences, mean drivers are more likely to be caught. The RAC warned that offences such as entering a bus lane or stopping in a yellow box junction can also result in fines, even if the driver was attempting to clear a path for an emergency vehicle.

What drivers should do

The South East Coast Ambulance Service advises drivers to remain calm and avoid panicking when an emergency vehicle approaches. If possible, motorists should move to the side of the road and come to a controlled stop, ensuring they do not put other road users or pedestrians at risk. The service also warned against stopping in bus lanes, as these should be left clear for emergency vehicles to use.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead when they see or hear an emergency vehicle. The ambulance service recommends checking mirrors and blind spots before moving, and avoiding harsh braking near junctions or roundabouts, where following vehicles may not have the same view.

What happens next

Motorists who receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) for breaking traffic laws while letting an emergency vehicle pass have 28 days to respond. The notice will ask the registered owner of the vehicle to name the driver at the time of the offence. Drivers can either admit guilt and pay the fixed penalty or contest the notice in court. The RAC advises that successful defences are rare and usually require proof of a defect with the traffic light or signage.