Ideally most people would go through the red light to allow emergency services free passage. The problem of people not going through and moving has been caused by councils and highways issuing fines and points to drivers who have done so. A judge in one case of a man who ran a red light to allow an ambulance to pass was told under no circumstances should he have gone through a red light. There is however a defence in UK law for a motorist to go through a red light in a medical emergency. But must treat the lights as a give way junction. And take the consequences. The law should be made much clearer on these issues.
Quite agree though marked police vehicles with uniformed officers are, in law, allowed to "direct motorists to cross a red light" to allow passage. This is because it is regarded as "being directed by a uniformed police officer. The law is indeed in need of reform.
Yes indeed, Harry, sadly this legislation is very old & makes no sense in today's traffic conditions. Especially in cases like ambulances responding to cardiac arrests when minutes save lives! (Retired Met officer)
Harry Nield usually it can be appealed if you went through a red light for an emergency vehicle, they cant be complete idiots and not move though and you can wait just next to the lights if needed just so they can squeeze through
The police or any emergency service wouldn't expect anyone to break the law. You should move when it's safe and LEGAL to do so. Any ticket got there should be cancelled but I can't see it personally.
Very disappointing to see a hackney cab not moving aside for an emergency vehicle - they are usually more responsive and show common sense to move out of the way. Poor show from an arrogant taxi driver!
Dear Mr Police officer the taxi driver was not a TWAT as you so nicely put it! The traffic light for him was red and until you told him personally to move he was within his rights!!
Until told to go through the red light the taxi driver was correct. When challenging a red light ticket they do not accept the defence that you were moving out of the way for an emergency vehicle, so you end up with points and a fine for trying to be helpful, regardless of how safe it might have been.
You aren't very clued up mate. They CAN direct vehicles through, I serve in the same force and have seen it done. No, they do not need to get out and do "traffic control" as you put it in order to ask a vehicle to proceed through, regular officers don't usually do traffic control unless absolutely neccessary. On one of my last shifts we were called out to a set of temporary lights that were stuck on red in both directions, I was told by the PC I was with "Not to do traffic control whatever I do".... I assume because if we start directing traffic and someone crashes into someone else it's on our necks. I posted a link to the part that says they can in my comments further up. **The exception to this is that a uniformed police officer can direct a motorist through a red traffic signal**. This sometimes happens if a police motorcyclist is part of a ‘special escort’ team and needs to clear and secure a junction, thus allowing a security convoy to pass through the junction".
As a blue light driver I am instructed to turn the sirens off when approaching traffic waiting at a red light. By leaving the sirens on you are effectively telling the drivers to push through the red light junction, if a collision then occurs it won't look good for the blue light driver and the service could be liable.
If moving out of the way of an emergency vehicle you are still bound by the Highway Code. Going through a red light or mounting the pavement is carried out at your own risk. If you have an accident you are liable
The UK Courts have ruled that you must NOT shoot red lights for emergency services vehicles. What the taxi driver did here was correct and given there was an ATS camera he would have received points on his licence. His defence in court would have to be that he was ordered, by a police officer, to shoot the light as it's also an offence to ignore direction from a police officer. The court ruling annoys me. If it's an ambulance on it's way to a cardiac arrest or a stroke it could be a matter of life or death.
Skoda VRS Good luck with that , no defence Five O tapping on your window is not a police officer in full uniform on point duty Cabby would still get the points the fine and Maybe charged with not driving with due care and attention if one of the pedestrians was injured 🤕 Five o was a complete cock this is one of the busiest junctions in London would need at least 4 officers on point duty , the “ARROGANT RED MIST “ got the better of five o on this occasion. www.bluelightaware.org.uk
To be fair, the taxi driver is stuck either at a red light of an obstructed junction and isn't moving because a police officer is not guiding him through the junction. I work for the police so I'm not just out to bash them, but response driving does not permit you to hammer on your bullhorn and sirens to get someone to commit a traffic offence. If you want a vehicle to move out of the way that is unable to progress further forward, you immediately get out, chuck a high vis on and explain to the driver you'll direct them through. The Police Driver in this video wasn't very professional in my opinion. People are saying "what if your mother was having a heart attack etc". Of course, I want a quick response. But the Government has no defence for drivers written in law so I wouldn't expect anyone to commit an offence they can't easily argue out of. If you want to contest a 'ticket' of such nature you go to court. There's no simple appeal process like you would have with your local authority for a parking notice. Sure, it's frustrating to police drivers when just one car is in the way from you making progress, but Roadcraft and national response driving guidelines makes it quite clear that you simply switch off equipment and wait for a safe, legal opportunity to arise before you stick the noise back on again and progress through.
cab driver in the right, firstly the lights have red light cameras so if he'd gone through he'd have got a ticket, secondly there were pedestrians and crossing traffic meaning taxi couldn't move, of course you help the emergency services get through where you can, but when your up to the white line you can't move forward. police should have either turned off sirens and waited or got off and directed traffic to clear taxi safely.
It is illegal for any vehicle to pull forward at a red light, the taxi could not pull to the side of the road because of pedestrian crossing and the cross traffic made it impossible to move forward (which would be illegal anyway)
You know that if you go through a red light and you get 'caught' on a Red Light Camera (even if you got a Police Car behind you with it's Blues & Twos on) you still have to pay the fine, right? And I'm pretty sure you get points too. So, bearing in mind that a Driving Licence is pretty important to a Taxi Driver, I can't understand why people don't understand this! Also, it not like the people have stopped crossing the road there is clearly traffic crossing the junction. Who's responsible if he goes forward and hits someone?!? That stupid woman walks in front of the Taxi and gestures to the driver to move forward. But, what would she have done if he had moved forward as she was approaching the Taxi?!? Shouted at him for moving forward wile the 'Walk' sign was up! Why were all those people still walking across the road anyway? Did they not think that the traffic would move forward through the red light? The driver was right to stay put. UK Police are Dicks! No one has respect for them anymore (not even Black Cab Drivers)
That is why you can protest a fine. A life is more important than a line on the ground. In Germany we are taught to move over, even if that means crossing the stopping line a little. He could easily have moved sideways without actually entering the intersection. It's called "making way immediately without endangering other traffic". BTW, police outrule signs and lights.
There's little to no probability to win an appeal against a fine emitted automatically with a red light camera, good luck finding a prosecutor willing to acquire the full evidence (if it exists at all, not just the red light photo), searching for the police officer that was driving just because you say there was a police car where you were (no other witnesses), finding and bringing him to testimony in your favor. Not counting time spent and you have to pay for your lawyer anyway (this may vary from country to country). How many times you think a cab driver would find himself in this situation, given he works almost exclusively downtown in big cities?
Highway code is very clear on what to do when an emergency vehicle is approaching: Don't panic, obey the signs, don't endanger other road users and pedestrians. There is nothing in there that says you must break the law to allow them to pass. That plod was out of order and should be disciplined. Kudos to the taxi driver, he did everything correctly.
As an emergency response driver in Central London I'd like to comment, the Taxi Driver, although I agree him being completely unhelpful and not even attempting to move is unhelpful... there is a precedent. A few years ago, the taxi trade association in London (Licenced Taxi Drivers Assc) advised drivers, following a case where they defended a taxi driver but lost, who did go through a red light, to allow an emergency vehicle through, advised all drivers along the lines... "Do so at your own risk" Personally, especially if I am several vehicles back from the red light, I turn off the siren and wait until it goes green again and then push forward. I have to concede as a Fire Brigade Officer, my need is not as urgent as an Ambulance or a Fire Engine where seconds matter as I no longer carry out a hands on life saving role. I know my own crews will judge this dependent on the call, they are not going to attempt to push half a dozen vehicles through a red light for a fire alarm going off in an office block, but may do for a fire in a flat with persons believed inside.
Steve Dudeney I'm on the side of the Association of Chief Police Officers. See their Emergency Response Manual. I quote from it below. You can google it. *"When exercising the exemption to pass a red traffic light, drivers of emergency response vehicles should avoid causing a member of the public to contravene the red light. It should be borne in mind that the public do not have an exemption in law to contravene red traffic lights."* "If an emergency response vehicle approaches a set of red lights, and vehicles occupy all the entry lanes at the stop line, the driver of the emergency response vehicle should consider one of the following options:" "1. Stop short of the queuing traffic and switch off all the emergency equipment until the lights change to green."* *"2. Position the emergency vehicle to straddle the white lines between lanes to encourage the public ahead to move sideways, ‘parting the waves’ "3. Move into the opposing lane and approach the junction slowly." "This should ensure that the emergency response driver does not cause the queuing traffic to drive into the junction against the red lights." "4. Certain traffic light junctions are too dangerous to cross whilst the lights are red. These are normally where views are restricted, multi lane carriageways or where the speed of cross traffic is high."
Yes, don't drive "through" a red light, but it's perfectly fine to pull just a bit over the white line and to the side so the emergency responder can get through, then you are not endangering other traffic and yourself as you won't actually enter the junction. Common sense.
That is not part of the British law as you can go through a red light if an emergency vehicle is trying to get through, the cameras pick up on the emergency vehicle so you will not get a ticket so please reread the law :)
Had I have been the taxi driver I’d have got out and told the copper to turn the siren off........because according to the law that’s what he should have done.
@@mygooseshrine Your only defense for running a red light is if a cop tells you to run the red. Since this was the case, the taxi driver has a chance of getting their red light ticket dished out.
OK, ... to anyone who is in doubt on this matter, allow me to suggest reading the following, it may prevent one of two things occurring, or both! 1) You could be prosecuted for contravening the red traffic signal if you cross it, 2) You could cause a serious accident if you contravene the red traffic signal. Either way, you'll be in the wrong. Please see below. It cannot be argued against in my opinion, but I daresay someone will want to try! I'm on the side of the Association of Chief Police Officers. See their Emergency Response Manual. I quote from it below. You can google it. *"When exercising the exemption to pass a red traffic light, drivers of emergency response vehicles should avoid causing a member of the public to contravene the red light. It should be borne in mind that the public do not have an exemption in law to contravene red traffic lights."* "If an emergency response vehicle approaches a set of red lights, and vehicles occupy all the entry lanes at the stop line, the driver of the emergency response vehicle should consider one of the following options:" *"1. Stop short of the queuing traffic and switch off all the emergency equipment until the lights change to green."* "2. Position the emergency vehicle to straddle the white lines between lanes to encourage the public ahead to move sideways, ‘parting the waves’ "3. Move into the opposing lane and approach the junction slowly." "This should ensure that the emergency response driver does not cause the queuing traffic to drive into the junction against the red lights." "4. Certain traffic light junctions are too dangerous to cross whilst the lights are red. These are normally where views are restricted, multi lane carriageways or where the speed of cross traffic is high."
Myiphone5 .... Who was that then? Please be specific where you challenge the ACPO Emergency Response Manual if that is what you are trying to do ... you won't be able to will you? STILL NO ANSWER AFTER A MONTH!!!
Absolutely correct driving on the part of the taxi driver. He must not break the line when the red light is shown because he is liable. If an officer directs him through the junction then he can move. For the unit to keep the siren sounding and even sound the bullhorn is against training and not safe.
Coppers as usual being Met have got it wrong.....wot a surprise! They're supposed to turn the sirens off but leave the blues on otherwise you may panic a driver to move forward into oncoming traffic and cause an accident. If double crewed, lard arse (if he had some high viz ) could of got out and made a safe path by stopping oncoming traffic.
They just looked like idiots here. The correct procedure is to turn off the siren and wait which would have been a few seconds for the green light if you are blocked in with no where to go. Most police immediate grades are not that critical
Onnthis junction there are red light cameras. My experience: you have to drive trough the red light but will get a ticket. Try to prove there was a police car bihind you is impossible.
Taxi driver is totally in the right. You cannot go thru a red signal except if you are directed by a police officer in uniform. Sitting behind with the tones on does not constitute direction. The Regs say that at a red signal they should turn off their lights and siren and wait for a green light. Also note that the junction was fitted with a red light camera
Seriously? That's bad then. German laws for example will allow you to slowly and carefully proceed into the intersection. Any red light ticket would be dropped without a problem. - Everything else is just stupid
Nog311 you can drive through the red lights to make way for emergency vehicles when their in an emergency as long as it's safe without anyone needing to tell you
Sorry Aidan but you are wrong here. Red lights are what is called an "absolute offence" Meaning that you only have to do it (actus reus) and the Crown does not need to prove a guilty intent (Mens rea). Your only defence is that you have been instructed to cross it by a Police Officer in uniform. The liability then rests with what officer. The rules for emergency services is that you can treat red lights as "give way junctions", if you cannot pass on the wrong side of road you should, turn off your siren and lights and wait till the light goes green. These are covered in The Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016. Plus the driving policy of the Emergency Service you drive for.
Great video catch @CobraEmergencyVideos - Europe. That police car duo was clearly intimidating other drivers and had no right to behave in such aggression. The Highway code is clear on these instances (highway code rule 219) and in summary "Do not endanger others - while complying with all traffic signs".
Read the highway code... you don't have to make way for an emegency vechcle if it means you have to break the law... such as traffic lights or crossings.. the taxi driver knew the highway code and the knob behind with the blue lights did not
_"the knob behind with the blue lights did not"_ Yes he did. A police constable can order you to go through a red light. In that case you're in no troubles. Once you are instructed to go through a red light, you are obligated to do so. Because if you don't, YOU are the knob. YOU should read the law!
Taxi is correct. You do not go through a red light unless directed to do so by a uniformed police officer. And let's face it - it couldn't have been that much of an emergency - the officer was in no hurry to get back into the police vehicle and wasn't even wearing a vest.
Unfortunately the law states that no vehicle except emergency vehicles should pass a red light with no exemptions. The police officer was simply bullying a driver who has every right to sit there and wait. If you run a Red light for an emergency vehicle you a liable to pay the fine and take points. Simple
Legally, an emergency vehicle cannot force you to go through a red light. This potentially puts you at risk as other drivers may not be expecting you and cause another accident. Emergency vehicles have to wait behind you until it is safe for you to move. The police in this case were in the wrong.
he onlyproblem I see is when e.g. drivers from the UK are driving abroad and then refuse tomove for emergency vehicles although they have to, e.g. like in Germany. Then they'd get a ticket for not clearing the path. Here the emergency vehicles have the right of way and you are forced to do whatever is necessary to clear a path, even if that means to drive through a red light and into an intersection, to mount the curb or whatever
The response driver is naughty there. You are trained to not bully your way through traffic, if the lights are on red and you cannot get through, leave lights on, turn siren off untill it is safe for the vehicle infront to move. Its not worth causing an accident by forcing someone to go through a red light just so you can attend an incident which may turn out to be less of an emergency than the potential accident the officer caused on his way.
he onlyproblem I see is when e.g. drivers from the UK are driving abroad and then refuse tomove for emergency vehicles although they have to, e.g. like in Germany. Then they'd get a ticket for not clearing the path.
Wrong. Police can, but only police, officers must be in uniform though. I have never had to do it nor have I ever seen it done in person, but i'm sure at some point I will have to. I'm serving in the same force.
Lol you would be mad if you moved on red light your immediately fined and can also get charge of dangerous driving if people are crossing. Red light means stop and even police have to get permission to pass each speed camera. I was told by police officer never to go on red light even if police are behind you and never proceed if police car uses its headlights as there no recognised signal.
Please don't talk crap mate - I'm a serving officer in the same force, and police do NOT have to get permission to pass any speed camera at all, you haven't got a clue. I've been with various drivers, some will slow down and then speed up once past it en-route to a call, others won't bother and just fly through setting it off, but it doesn't matter as we have lawful exemptions as we're responding to a call with all emergency equipment activated.
Am I the only one here thinking....why are the force spending Over 40 grand on 'Cars'.....for city centres? It would cost half as much for 2 motorcycles! Moving through situations like this would be much quicker! (Yes I realise a bike against a car would probably not fare well for a biker, but in terms of response 2 wheels, must be better in cities!) By the way...the Taxi driver was correct for waiting! As crap as it looks...He/She has to put food on the table too! Losing your income by doing right, just doesn't appeal to the local councils today in the UK! (It's so sad!)
Protocol for the blue lighter is approach the lights, turn off two tone, wait til light goes green, then put two tones back on. He should not have been squawking at the taxi. As has already been mentioned, immediate fine for driver going through red, and no guarantee that appeal will win. For a professional driver such as that taxi, how many fines could he potentially accrue in the middle of London in any given day by going through reds?
Dr Pellypo taxi driver is correct just horn and sirens are no good and met officers are trained to switch off the sound in that situation. The taxi driver is not allowed to Contravene a ATS on red. The officer in uniform directed him so at that point he can. Check out blue light aware for guidance.
Unless that officer has FULL control of that junction, he cannot order the taxi driver to contravene the ATS. A collision could occur due to the officer being unaware of a vehicle approaching from another turning.
Exactly. Police are not allowed to force a car to break any traffic laws to get out of their way. If a police car ever tries to force you to do that ignore them until it's safe. If an accident happens YOU are liable.
For a change... I think the cabbie was acting correctly. You can't jump red lights even if there's an emergency vehicle behind you (assuming it was a red light). The officer might have coerced the cab into committing an offence. They're usually only in such a hurry and willing to break rules if one of their colleagues need help... And occasionally if they just want to beat the traffic.
It's an offence under the RTA to pass a red light, "not even for emergency vehicles" personally I would move for an ambulance or fire engine but not a cop, they are too unjust, beside they have a protocol to get past me at a set of red lights to counter the RTA. 1. The police officer should escort the driver from his vehicle to a safe place to wait. 2. The Officer moves vehicle to a safe and suitable parking space. Note only the driving officer can move the vehicle for insurance purposes. 3. The officer escorts the driver back to his vehicle.
Well the copper is wrong. If they are behind vehicles that are waiting at a red light they cannot instruct or force a driver to go through a red light. He should have sat there with his lights on to signal he needs priority when the lights change and knock off the sirens whilst he waits
People commenting who have NO IDEA what is the correct procedure. Okay so firstly: Highway Code - do not move through a red light UNLESS instructed to do so by a police officer. So. The policeman EVENTUALLY got out of the car. if it was a GENUINE emergency; the policeman would have got out of the police car immediately; and how long did it take him to get back in? did he run? no, he casually walked. Secondly, you can see the lines past the STOP line - they are lines for a red light camera. the cabbie knows that if he moves forward, it's 3 points and a fine - when your whole life relies on driving to pay bills, he cannot afford to do it. Sad, but correct. Thirdly - in the POLICE DRIVERS MANUAL - if you are stuck in traffic; under no circumstances should you keep your siren on. you must sit there and wait until you are able to do so - anything in accordance with that and it is bullying other road users - yes they have a job to do, but they have rules and safety procedures to follow. They know the rules/law, and they know there's not much they can do. Cabby 100% in the right
If you want 3 points and £100 pound fine go through the red light my mate did it and was caught on camera was sent fine in post phoned up they said never go through red light for any reason pay up and it was a ambulance pay up never go through on red so you make your choice
The reason your friend got fined is because this exemption applies to police only, also they must direct you through the junction with verbal commands, as it was an ambulance in your case the legal exemption does not apply, therefore going through a red is treated as if you had gone through a red without an ambulance present. Yes, I know, it lacks common sense or any morality, but that's just the way it is.
thefiestaguy good look with that argument in court I would get out of my car and let the police officer 👮 drive my car it is also wrong for any emergency vehicle to leave his siren 🚨 on to intimidat you into going through a red light 🚦 that could cause a accident in the past I have pulled forward for emergency vehicles if safe to do so but I was braking the law and would not do this again is up to you to decide what you do thanks for your comment
While you are not supposed to obstruct a police car with blue lights, its up to you to move or not based on your assessment of the risks (people crossing etc) and not theirs. Also, you cannot be forced to commit a road traffic offense such as go through a red light in order to give way to an emergency vehicle.
Wrong. Only police can direct you through red traffic lights, no other emergency service can. Refusal to comply is an offence, although nobody's ever been stuck on for it, as it would be mightily harsh. I'm a serving met officer.
Special Android it is very different in Melbourne Australia where I am. It is actually illegal not move for an emergency vehicle. Even if this means committing minor traffic offences. An emergency vehicle overrides all other laws.
I'm not wrong, perhaps research UK road laws mate before you start saying people are "wrong". Only police can require someone to proceed through a red light, refusal to comply IS an offence, however nobody's ever been stuck on for it from what I recall.
From what I know & have been told is .. don't go through a red light even though your instincts tell you to do so. Emergency service drives are trained to manoeuvre around you. If you go through a red light and get "flashed" by a red light camera you will still be fined and get penalty points on your license, if you cause an accident by going through a red light you will be charged.
Even in an emergency the police are still required to bide by the Highway Code and can’t force cars out of their way, if it is safe to do so most driver will move but if there is a chance of getting a fine or points on their licence a driver is not required to brake the law
thefiestaguy ... you're still at it! It is yourself who could not be more wrong, I'm afraid! ... I had assumed that you read the ACPO Emergency Response Manual which I posted details of and where it states: "When exercising the exemption to pass a red traffic light, drivers of emergency response vehicles should avoid causing a member of the public to contravene the red light. *It should be borne in mind that the public do not have an exemption in law to contravene red traffic lights."* "If an emergency response vehicle approaches a set of red lights, and vehicles occupy all the entry lanes at the stop line, the driver of the emergency response vehicle should consider one of the following options:" *"1. Stop short of the queuing traffic and switch off all the emergency equipment until the lights change to green."* "2. Position the emergency vehicle to straddle the white lines between lanes to encourage the public ahead to move sideways, ‘parting the waves’ "3. Move into the opposing lane and approach the junction slowly." "This should ensure that the emergency response driver does not cause the queuing traffic to drive into the junction against the red lights." "4. Certain traffic light junctions are too dangerous to cross whilst the lights are red. These are normally where views are restricted, multi lane carriageways or where the speed of cross traffic is high." You obviously didn't read it.
Michael Myers .. You are correct Michael and you are in agreement with the Association of Chief Police Officers who state: "When exercising the exemption to pass a red traffic light, drivers of emergency response vehicles should avoid causing a member of the public to contravene the red light. *It should be borne in mind that the public do not have an exemption in law to contravene red traffic lights."* "If an emergency response vehicle approaches a set of red lights, and vehicles occupy all the entry lanes at the stop line, the driver of the emergency response vehicle should consider one of the following options:" *"1. Stop short of the queuing traffic and switch off all the emergency equipment until the lights change to green."* "2. Position the emergency vehicle to straddle the white lines between lanes to encourage the public ahead to move sideways, ‘parting the waves’ "3. Move into the opposing lane and approach the junction slowly." "This should ensure that the emergency response driver does not cause the queuing traffic to drive into the junction against the red lights." "4. Certain traffic light junctions are too dangerous to cross whilst the lights are red. These are normally where views are restricted, multi lane carriageways or where the speed of cross traffic is high."
I did read it, you're the one who obviously cannot read. the key words you keep missing are "SHOULD" avoid. Should means exactly that - should avoid unless absolutely necessary, I don't know how many times I have to explain it. 'Should' does not mean "Must not under no circumstances". The law is not an exemption, it's a defence, it's not an exemption from a red traffic light, it's a defence, "I went through the red light because I was asked to by an officer in uniform". If you bothered to watch the video I linked to in a previous comment, you'll clearly see police officers can do it as it's done in the video I linked previously. Again, it's you who cannot comprehend law, you think because you read an emergency response driving manual you're an expert. A so called 'expert' who quite clearly has difficulty comprehending what the words "should" and "avoid" mean.
Exactly as Dr Pellypo says below, there was a guy on radio 2 a few months back, ran a red to let an ambulance through on blues, got done for it - no appeal.
In the UK, if you cross the stop line at the junction whilst the lights are on red, you will commit the offence of contravening a red traffic light. However, if there is an emergency vehicle behind you with its emergency warning signals on it might be possible for you to manoeuvre out of the way to allow it through. Ideally this should be to the side of the road without encroaching into the main area of the junction. It should only be done when it is safe to do so without putting yourself or other members of the public in danger and it should only be done slowly and carefully. It is important to remember that in committing the offence (crossing the stop line) the onus will be on you to provide evidence that you did so to allow an emergency vehicle through, and this may be considered as mitigation.
This exact question was posed at a meeting of South London Institute of Advanced Motorists, where the speaker was a rather well known Traffic Chief Insp. He confirmed you could be fined for going thru a red light in exactly this scenario
It is illegal to go through a red light under any circumstances and fines have been issued in the past for drivers proceeding to go through a red to let an emergency vehicle through.
The Police have to be in front of you to direct you through a red light. I you run a red to let an emergency vehicle through and someone collides with you or you cause them to hit someone or something else then you will be at fault.
Seriously, how dare you block this vital police vehicle! If they've pre-ordered and perhaps pre-paid for a range of delicious, piping hot curry meals, they have every right to eat them back at the station, (whilst still 'on the clock'), before they get too cold to enjoy.
Just goes to show that absolute idiots are running this country. The cabbie was in a no win situation here - run a red light, get done, insurance goes up or he could even lose his licence. Stay put and the cops do him for causing an obstruction or wasting police time. This is typical of what happens when you take out the human element and allow technology to be the be all and end all.
Yes ... and the Highway Code states, _"Consider the route of such a vehicle and take appropriate action to let it pass, while complying with all traffic signs."_
Spot on. The driver could and I suggest, could have cancelled the siren and waited for the lights to change, however, we don't know what the call was, do we. The law clearly states that a uniformed officer can instruct a vehicle to contravene a red light.
Did you know that if you went through a red light and it has a camera on it you would still receive a fine even if you were moving for emergency vehockesy
Again, not true. In Bristol a man was told to move through a red light by Plod to let an ambulance through, he did and got a FPN for running a red light. He appealed and lost. Check google for it. It was in Bristol. THe plod are Law enforcers not law makers they cannot instruct someone to knowingly break the law.
Police are not allowed to force a car to break any traffic laws to get out of their way. If a police car ever tries to force you to do that ignore them until it's safe.
Most of the yellow bays and lights have cameras on them and you get a fine and points automatically sent through the post .. then you got to argue with the computer that says no ..
thefiestaguy do u know w how many times I've had fines sent to me as a taxi driver for driving in bus lanes ? At least 6 times don't trust the person operating the camera to use common sense because they won't
You driving a taxi in a bus lane is very different to a marked police vehicle being in shot with a car going through red lights..... assuming there's even a camera fitted (in this case there is, but in a lot of instances there are no cameras). There's also a difference. Driving a tax in a bus lane (which is usually allowed) but they're mistaking you for a normal car - even then it's a civil "offence" per se, and not against the law. Whereas driving too fast is a crime, falling into traffic law. As a result, in your instance the person operating the camera is probably employed by the council, in fact it's almost certain they are, unless it's contracted out by some chance to a third party firm who operate it on their behalf. Whereas the speed cameras are operated by police and so they will be reviewing the evidence and any footage, not the council's employees, they have a better understanding of law and specifically should know about these exemptions, such as the one in the video whereby it's permissable to go through a red ONLY if directed to do so by a constable in uniform, provided a police vehicle is in shot with lights activated there shouldn't be much of an issue. This ONLY applies to police, remember, no other emergency service currently.
I don't know what England's law says, but in Australia you can proceed through a red light "with care and if it is safe to do so" in order to provide access for an emergency vehicle which is operating its lights and siren.
WA, ACT, NT and TAS you can not. Any red light camera fines incurred for doing so is payable at your own expense. Only allowed in NSW, QLD, VIC and SA as long as it is safe to do so. So, not all of Australia will allow you to do so as each state and territory enforces their own traffic laws and penalties to them.
Taxi driver completely in the right here. If he drove through the red light he risked being done with it and would have no defence. I wouldn't cross the white line where a red light shows. The emergency vehicle would have to wait. If they want me to drive forward then I would be quite happy to however not if I risk points on my licence and a fine.
what if you pull out at a red light and you run somebody over? your fault. You shouldn't move even if police tell you to. You and I are not trained to go through a red light. A police car is! if you do it and have an accident its your fault
Hold on a sec the copper is telling the taxi driver to break the law The law states You must not break the law to move out of the way for an emergency vehicle, and you will be liable for prosecution if you do.
This is bad driving by the cop .. You shouldn't 'force' any other motorist to commit any kind of traffic offence .. If the taxi had driven forward through a red light and hit a pedestrian or another vehicle, that would have been entirely his own responsibility .. The recommendations from the police driving school is that if you cant go around the traffic, and they can't or wont make a gap for you then you turn the twos and blues off and wait until they do ... There are times when the traffic in London is just gridlocked and no amount of angry horn honking is going to change that ... If the call is that important (and to be fair sometimes they are) then it's the job of the individual officer to take responsibility for his own driving and take his own risks ...
luckily it's like that only in the UK (probably only the UK); Here emergency vehicles have the right of way and may force other vehicles to move through a red traffic light
The question is do they then bear the responsibility for anything that may happen ... if not then that isn't really an ethical policy .... It really is a matter of who shoulders the 'blame' ....
it's the driver causing the accident, not the operator of the emergency vehicle. Pulling over and clearing the path doesn't mean to step on the gas and hoping for the best, but watching out for other road users carefully: pedestrians, bike riders and other cars. Diong so slowly, making eye contact to other drivers, warning them with high-beams flasing and honking if necessary ... but usually one or two cars can easily move over the stopping lane and through the red traffic light into the intersection without (!) coming into the lanes of crossing traffic. Here's an example where you can see the car moving out of the way immediately and without coming into the path of potential crossing vehicle traffic: ruclips.net/video/AS6Z5AyImmc/видео.html
It's ironic you say "take risks" and "entirely his own responsibility", but you then slate him when he does exactly that, makes a risk assessment and asks a driver to proceed through....
No he didn't take responsibility, he could have driven around the taxi on the pavement .. it's a low kerb there, but that contravenes both police policy, and if he has an accident he will get prosecuted for careless driving at least for sure .. If he isn't taking that kind of risk the call isn't worth pushing somebody else to break the law if they don't want to .. he can wait a few seconds longer ... that is what he is supposed to do
Here in Czech republic, drivers ARE allowed to go through the red light patiently if an emergency car needs it, stuck behind them. Is it different in UK?
lol this still going on same people with the same flawed arguments. fact blue lights at a red traffic light does " NOT" mean you cross the line to make room! only exception to this is if an officer in uniform controls traffic. then and only then can you jump a red light. FACT!
McEntee McEnlee ... you are correct! so funny to see these comments where idiots think they are sooo right ... but in fact are wrong. I'm on the side of the Association of Chief Police Officers. See their Emergency Response Manual. I quote from it below. People can google it. "When exercising the exemption to pass a red traffic light, drivers of emergency response vehicles should avoid causing a member of the public to contravene the red light. It should be borne in mind that the public do not have an exemption in law to contravene red traffic lights." "If an emergency response vehicle approaches a set of red lights, and vehicles occupy all the entry lanes at the stop line, the driver of the emergency response vehicle should consider one of the following options:" "1. Stop short of the queuing traffic and switch off all the emergency equipment until the lights change to green." "2. Position the emergency vehicle to straddle the white lines between lanes to encourage the public ahead to move sideways, ‘parting the waves’ "3. Move into the opposing lane and approach the junction slowly." "This should ensure that the emergency response driver does not cause the queuing traffic to drive into the junction against the red lights." "4. Certain traffic light junctions are too dangerous to cross whilst the lights are red. These are normally where views are restricted, multi lane carriageways or where the speed of cross traffic is high."
In the past I would have moved but not anymore when our insanely stupid legal system books people for going through a red light to let emergency vehicles through. You are only allowed to go through a red light in this instance if you are specifically instructed to by a police officer - and that's what happened.
Well done taxi driver - you upheld the law lol. the taxi driver was right for staying put cause if he went through a red light he would most likely have been fined.
na he actually isn't but not much can be done, you should make way for emergency vehicles, he could have moved a bit to let it through. There was nothing preventing him moving 6 - 8 feet forward mate ;)
That's not entirely true. When directed by a cop in uniform he is obliged to pass through. Secondly he was half over the white line anyway as was the other motor anyway! So I maintain, another few feet wouldn't make much odds as he had already crossed the line. Maybe my original comment wasn't very clear, sorry. As I said it wouldn't have taken much to allow the car through. I wonder if you would be as happy if it were one of your family being raped or held at gun point and the car couldn't get there? The highway code isn't law but a guide to RTA law. A simplified guide on the actual law. Even camera generated tickets for going through a red light to allow emergency vehicles passed are simply dropped as it is common sense. Granted, it is idiotic to have these laws when it is a matter of life and death but having served as a police officer for 8 years I wouldn't even give it a second thought, I would pass through to allow the safe advance of an emergency vehicle as I know it could mean life or death. Just as a side note, if an emergency vehicle passes through a red light and causes an accident, the driver of said vehicle will be charged with failing to obey a traffic light. Trust me, I was charged en route to a rape in progress, fortunately due to the urgent nature the charge was no proceeded with, as is the case with members of the public going through a red. You are however correct, if you pass through, in theory you could be charged but I seriously doubt any court would find you guilty.
I was done for going though a red light 3 years ago. It was actually yellow but that's apparently going though a red according to them... I pulled this up, and infact it is against the law to go though a red light even if emergency services are behind you! So if a police officer instructs you to do so, he's actually breaking the law.
Here in the UK the traffic laws are mainly to grab money off you I'm afraid. - I was even told the other day, if you have your hand out the window and not on the steering wheel (one hand off) and a cop is in a bad mood they can do you for that also, due care and attention (don't quote me) as I'm on the road A LOT and never been pulled over for it.
Generally emergency vehicles turn off sirens when approaching traffic at a red light, however, they may leave siren on and tell you to move out of the way. If you're stopped at a red and they are behind you with the sirens on, look in the mirror as they are probably instructing you to move - which they can do.
Ynot6 nah lad, them lights are on red, if he goes through and there's a traffic camera there, it'll issue him a ticket and he can't appeal it because he broke the law by going through.
Hazard lights on and creep forwards as if the light is green but ONLY IF SAFE TO DO SO The reason for a drivers license is that you should be able to handle the vehicle you drive at those times when the rules are not so straight forward. I have pulled forward "exercising caution" through a red light signal, i would happily argue that with any "authorities"
Well I thought emergency vehicles was supposed to turn sirens off at lights with traffic and wait as it can create an accident ahh but they can they are the law and make it up as they go along forgot bout that pfffft
Taxi was under no obligation to move, and was in the right. It was a red light and they would still get a fine / points for driving through it. The police car needs to wait until a green light before continuing to make progress.
Police car cannot force you to move at red light.. they must turn off there sirens. But can keep there blue light on. If do drive passed a red light you can be fined and points.
Officer in uniform can make a legal requirement to you to proceed through a red, it rarely happens but you do see it every now and then, there's a video of it being done on RUclips. ruclips.net/video/AqlL9nHiRYY/видео.html Note it's on red when he asks the driver to move forward, it's still red when they proceed through, by the time he gets back into the vehicle and drives through it appears the lights have just changed to green. He wouldn't ask someone to do it if he didn't have the legal power to do so, he'd get into serious trouble if anything happened as a result. Even with legal justification for doing so he'd be in hot water if the driver proceeded through and managed to collide with another vehicle, resulting in injury or death.
It's not even that, the epaulettes slide over a bit that is unbuttoned from the shirt or vest, they then slide on and then you button it down again. The silver bit from memory is just a decorative item, I wear this uniform as I serve in the same force.
mathieu benezech Je me sens moins seul désormais ! C'est clair que le conducteur de l'autre voiture est un idiot, en plus cette BMW est absolument magnifique, très bien équipée, raison de plus pour la laisser passer ahah ;)
You are not allowed to jump a red light or use a bus Lane, even to get out of the way of an emergency service vehicle. If you get a fine/points for going through a red light your excuse that you were moving out of the way for a police car doesn't count for anything. So no, they weren't stupid, they were right
All these people here quoting Highway Code regulations, and defending the taxi driver are most likely hypocrits of the highest order. All you defending him drive exactly to the speed limits do you ? Bullshit, this is a situation which calls for common sense, the taxi could've moved over without causing a major incident, stop being so pedantic, also if that was your mother/wife/son or daughter that needed that urgent police assistance would you be so concerned that all Highway Code laws were obeyed ? Or would you rather common sense was used and the police/ambulance got there as soon as they could
The red light cameras at busy urban centres cause a headache to a motorist that was otherwise trying to help... Whilst I agree its helpful when people move out the way, the highway code is clear... You cant be bullied into contraveyning signs or signals, unless specifically directed to do so by a constable in uniform or authorised uniformed person on point duty (i.e. Psco). All National Ambulance, Fire and Police personnel trained in blue light runs in England and Wales are taught this and usually told to deactivate sirens (and blues) when coming to stationary traffic and to re activate when traffic is moving and space can be safely created.
You do know you get fined for letter them through at lights where there is a camera... By your logic murder is wrong but if someone pushed you use common sense and do it? You're real smart
Sercan Atim that's possibly the dumbest comment I've ever read. Congratulations. Not sure how you compare using logic and moving aside for emergency vehicles to murder but you managed it. Think it's you who is the thicko mate. Btw you can appeal unfair tickets you know
*New Title :* UK Police Officer breaks law twice, deliberately endangers bystanders. Totally unacceptable! Police officer recklessly endangers public, breaks the law and ignores his own ACPO guidance - thus putting motorists and pedestrians at risk. Siren should be off until lights changed - and motorist not harassed (or, in this case, instructed) to crossing the red. Now, before you all start flaming me... I have the Road Teaffic Act, the Chief Police Officers Association, the Lords and the High Court on my side. it's the Law whether you think it right or not. It's been reviewed in many high court decisions, Lords reviews and several issues of guidance from the Association of Chief Police Officers... following multiple deaths where motorists have been clipped by cross traffic - and in at least one case fatally sending vehicles into pedestrians. This officer should have known better. Motorist should really have continued to follow the RTA and Reg.219 ... NOT to mount curb or go against lights and traffic signage to make way for emergency vehicles. Both broke the Law - but the officer has absolutely no excuse. - Motorist was in the right to remain involuntarily obstructing ... was wrong to move, but it is understandable. - Officer was acting unlawfully (twice) and, given the repeated ACPO guidance and his ERV training, inexcusably so. That doesn't mean that I'd refuse to move. I'd happily break the law to assist (if, I felt I could do so safely) - and I'd accept the consequences. I expect that would be the instinct of many decent people. That cabbie chose not to, so he tried to stick to the law. I'd imagine partly because he's held to a higher licensing standard and can't get points on his license or he loses his job and that hurts his family. But the officer had NO RIGHT to instruct the vehicle. And, even though a police officer MAY direct traffic - they can only do so from the front and when in control of ALL traffic at the intersection, anything else is endangerment. If in control of the entire intersection, they 'become' the appropriate traffic signage, thus no laws are broken. Getting salty? Feeling some rage? Want to tear a strip off me? Fine ... But first, here are some friendly tips to avoid looking like a complete idiot.... 1. Private Motorists : Refresh your memory on RTA Reg 219 (Concerning the motorists response to Emergency Vehicles) 2. If you're a Police Officer arguing the toss, first check for the ACPO guidance on the matter. If not, I'll cheerfully post it at you. 3. If you think the above just sounds stupid, regardless of what the law says - I agree! Take it up with your government. K, Let the poorly informed heavily opinionated knee-jerking commence ; )
I can understand that though. It's frustrating when rushing to an emergency call-out. And sure, perhaps the Law needs reviewing, I totally get peoples opposition to the idea of an Emergency Response Vehicle stuck behind traffic. But... The more worrying thing here is just how many people here seem to blindly accept (and vigorously defend from ignorance) the idea that the police have some ultimate authority and that compliance is required even where the order conflicts with Law. This is a rather worrying trend I'm seeing a lot these days. A growing preference for Authority over Law. As though people are so bombarded with information and opinion that they seek to delegate decision making. After all, without an incredulous public the nanny state is just one jack-booted step from complete authoritarianism. The simplest defense, to creeping authoritarianism, being the willingness and ability of the public to arch a cynical eyebrow at any claim of authority. Heck, I'd even go so far as to call it a duty : ) Gonna shut up now, before I start sounding like Ted Kaczynski - LOL
Always remember a few years ago my wife and I were travelling to the hospital in freezing fog one morning when a fire engine came upon us from behind with blue lights on and sirens on. When we got to the next village which was called Cowie in Stirlingshire there was the fire engine sitting at the local shop, we got stopped with the traffic but what we both noticed was two firemen coming out of the shop with papers and other things, anyway when we were coming home I stopped at the shop and happened to mention to the shopkeeper about the fire engine, he told us that they quite often go into his shop for papers and various other things. So it wasn’t an emergency, it was a line of slow traffic in freezing fog and frosty conditions that must have been holding them up. Quite sad that they can do this.
Johnny Rogerson More likely, the Machine on Blue lights was going onto another Stn’s ground . That machine can receive a stop message by radio at any time (Appliance not needed ) So may of given you that impression . They will then return to base Stn . At all times the appliance is available for calls buy radio . Popping into a shop to pick up a paper , food groceries etc is not a big deal as they are available for emergency calls buy radio at all times . Turning on blue lights and sirens to get out of traffic or to go shopping especially in fog would be a absolute NO NO ❗️
Taxi had every right to stay put. Entering a box junction without a clear exit , illegal. the cop should have known that. Emergency or not. Plus busy crossing traffic.
Ideally most people would go through the red light to allow emergency services free passage. The problem of people not going through and moving has been caused by councils and highways issuing fines and points to drivers who have done so. A judge in one case of a man who ran a red light to allow an ambulance to pass was told under no circumstances should he have gone through a red light. There is however a defence in UK law for a motorist to go through a red light in a medical emergency. But must treat the lights as a give way junction. And take the consequences. The law should be made much clearer on these issues.
Quite agree though marked police vehicles with uniformed officers are, in law, allowed to "direct motorists to cross a red light" to allow passage. This is because it is regarded as "being directed by a uniformed police officer. The law is indeed in need of reform.
Pat McDermott That is correct. The policeman becomes the traffic lights in a sense. As for ambulances and fire engines no such powers.
Yes indeed, Harry, sadly this legislation is very old & makes no sense in today's traffic conditions. Especially in cases like ambulances responding to cardiac arrests when minutes save lives! (Retired Met officer)
Harry Nield usually it can be appealed if you went through a red light for an emergency vehicle, they cant be complete idiots and not move though and you can wait just next to the lights if needed just so they can squeeze through
I hope that cop doesn't have to run after a villain! Too many Berger's
The police or any emergency service wouldn't expect anyone to break the law. You should move when it's safe and LEGAL to do so. Any ticket got there should be cancelled but I can't see it personally.
This officer expected this guy to break the law.
If theres no camera and the police have left their sirens on behind you and bull horn just move tf out the way
Well done that taxi driver, not going through a red light until told to by an officer. Nice to see then actually following the law.
Very disappointing to see a hackney cab not moving aside for an emergency vehicle - they are usually more responsive and show common sense to move out of the way. Poor show from an arrogant taxi driver!
Dear Mr Police officer the taxi driver was not a TWAT as you so nicely put it!
The traffic light for him was red and until you told him personally to move he was within his rights!!
Until told to go through the red light the taxi driver was correct. When challenging a red light ticket they do not accept the defence that you were moving out of the way for an emergency vehicle, so you end up with points and a fine for trying to be helpful, regardless of how safe it might have been.
Its a box junction with a camera, no wonder the taxi wouldn't budge
That's Britain for ya! its a retarded law
It was a Police car not an ambulance or fire truck . You have to move for Police only so the Taxi driver was a (typical) twat .
.
You aren't very clued up mate.
They CAN direct vehicles through, I serve in the same force and have seen it done.
No, they do not need to get out and do "traffic control" as you put it in order to ask a vehicle to proceed through, regular officers don't usually do traffic control unless absolutely neccessary.
On one of my last shifts we were called out to a set of temporary lights that were stuck on red in both directions, I was told by the PC I was with "Not to do traffic control whatever I do".... I assume because if we start directing traffic and someone crashes into someone else it's on our necks.
I posted a link to the part that says they can in my comments further up.
**The exception to this is that a uniformed police officer can direct a motorist through a red traffic signal**. This sometimes happens if a police motorcyclist is part of a ‘special escort’ team and needs to clear and secure a junction, thus allowing a security convoy to pass through the junction".
- I RuBiiX I - Hey thick bag of shit the Taxi scumbag delayed the Police and the Police have the right to move his ass...which he did .
As a blue light driver I am instructed to turn the sirens off when approaching traffic waiting at a red light. By leaving the sirens on you are effectively telling the drivers to push through the red light junction, if a collision then occurs it won't look good for the blue light driver and the service could be liable.
But you must be aware his tea is getting cold
If moving out of the way of an emergency vehicle you are still bound by the Highway Code. Going through a red light or mounting the pavement is carried out at your own risk. If you have an accident you are liable
J D11 police are NOT an emergency vehicles what so ever
ah yes, i thought i would see people without any common sense in the comments section.
The UK Courts have ruled that you must NOT shoot red lights for emergency services vehicles. What the taxi driver did here was correct and given there was an ATS camera he would have received points on his licence. His defence in court would have to be that he was ordered, by a police officer, to shoot the light as it's also an offence to ignore direction from a police officer. The court ruling annoys me. If it's an ambulance on it's way to a cardiac arrest or a stroke it could be a matter of life or death.
Skoda VRS Good luck with that , no defence Five O tapping on your window is not a police officer in full uniform on point duty Cabby would still get the points the fine and Maybe charged with not driving with due care and attention if one of the pedestrians was injured 🤕 Five o was a complete cock this is one of the busiest junctions in London would need at least 4 officers on point duty , the “ARROGANT RED MIST “ got the better of five o on this occasion. www.bluelightaware.org.uk
To be fair, the taxi driver is stuck either at a red light of an obstructed junction and isn't moving because a police officer is not guiding him through the junction.
I work for the police so I'm not just out to bash them, but response driving does not permit you to hammer on your bullhorn and sirens to get someone to commit a traffic offence. If you want a vehicle to move out of the way that is unable to progress further forward, you immediately get out, chuck a high vis on and explain to the driver you'll direct them through. The Police Driver in this video wasn't very professional in my opinion.
People are saying "what if your mother was having a heart attack etc". Of course, I want a quick response. But the Government has no defence for drivers written in law so I wouldn't expect anyone to commit an offence they can't easily argue out of. If you want to contest a 'ticket' of such nature you go to court. There's no simple appeal process like you would have with your local authority for a parking notice.
Sure, it's frustrating to police drivers when just one car is in the way from you making progress, but Roadcraft and national response driving guidelines makes it quite clear that you simply switch off equipment and wait for a safe, legal opportunity to arise before you stick the noise back on again and progress through.
If the lights are red you don't have to move out of the way. Police car should have turned the sirens off and kept the lights on
Once instructed to do so you have to move, until then, there is no legal obligation to do so.
cab driver in the right, firstly the lights have red light cameras so if he'd gone through he'd have got a ticket, secondly there were pedestrians and crossing traffic meaning taxi couldn't move, of course you help the emergency services get through where you can, but when your up to the white line you can't move forward. police should have either turned off sirens and waited or got off and directed traffic to clear taxi safely.
I’m sure it would of easily been taken care of to let an emergency vehicle pass
not always there have been a few cases where they were still fined
He's a taxi driver in London....the way they drive deserves to be fined
Cab driver completely in the right and police officer in the wrong for trying to FORCE another road user to go through a red light. Big NO NO.
But he was telling him to go through, so he should have.
It is illegal for any vehicle to pull forward at a red light, the taxi could not pull to the side of the road because of pedestrian crossing and the cross traffic made it impossible to move forward (which would be illegal anyway)
Garry Q If instructed to by an LEO you can contravene a red light.
You know that if you go through a red light and you get 'caught' on a Red Light Camera (even if you got a Police Car behind you with it's Blues & Twos on) you still have to pay the fine, right? And I'm pretty sure you get points too. So, bearing in mind that a Driving Licence is pretty important to a Taxi Driver, I can't understand why people don't understand this! Also, it not like the people have stopped crossing the road there is clearly traffic crossing the junction. Who's responsible if he goes forward and hits someone?!? That stupid woman walks in front of the Taxi and gestures to the driver to move forward. But, what would she have done if he had moved forward as she was approaching the Taxi?!? Shouted at him for moving forward wile the 'Walk' sign was up! Why were all those people still walking across the road anyway? Did they not think that the traffic would move forward through the red light? The driver was right to stay put. UK Police are Dicks! No one has respect for them anymore (not even Black Cab Drivers)
That is why you can protest a fine. A life is more important than a line on the ground. In Germany we are taught to move over, even if that means crossing the stopping line a little. He could easily have moved sideways without actually entering the intersection. It's called "making way immediately without endangering other traffic". BTW, police outrule signs and lights.
There's little to no probability to win an appeal against a fine emitted automatically with a red light camera, good luck finding a prosecutor willing to acquire the full evidence (if it exists at all, not just the red light photo), searching for the police officer that was driving just because you say there was a police car where you were (no other witnesses), finding and bringing him to testimony in your favor. Not counting time spent and you have to pay for your lawyer anyway (this may vary from country to country). How many times you think a cab driver would find himself in this situation, given he works almost exclusively downtown in big cities?
Highway code is very clear on what to do when an emergency vehicle is approaching: Don't panic, obey the signs, don't endanger other road users and pedestrians. There is nothing in there that says you must break the law to allow them to pass. That plod was out of order and should be disciplined. Kudos to the taxi driver, he did everything correctly.
As an emergency response driver in Central London I'd like to comment, the Taxi Driver, although I agree him being completely unhelpful and not even attempting to move is unhelpful... there is a precedent. A few years ago, the taxi trade association in London (Licenced Taxi Drivers Assc) advised drivers, following a case where they defended a taxi driver but lost, who did go through a red light, to allow an emergency vehicle through, advised all drivers along the lines... "Do so at your own risk" Personally, especially if I am several vehicles back from the red light, I turn off the siren and wait until it goes green again and then push forward. I have to concede as a Fire Brigade Officer, my need is not as urgent as an Ambulance or a Fire Engine where seconds matter as I no longer carry out a hands on life saving role. I know my own crews will judge this dependent on the call, they are not going to attempt to push half a dozen vehicles through a red light for a fire alarm going off in an office block, but may do for a fire in a flat with persons believed inside.
Steve Dudeney
I'm on the side of the Association of Chief Police Officers. See their Emergency Response Manual. I quote from it below. You can google it.
*"When exercising the exemption to pass a red traffic light, drivers of emergency response vehicles should avoid causing a member of the public to contravene the red light. It should be borne in mind that the public do not have an exemption in law to contravene red traffic lights."*
"If an emergency response vehicle approaches a set of red lights, and vehicles occupy all the entry lanes at the stop line, the driver of the emergency response vehicle should consider one of the following options:"
"1. Stop short of the queuing traffic and switch off all the emergency equipment until the lights change to green."*
*"2. Position the emergency vehicle to straddle the white lines between lanes to encourage the public ahead to move sideways, ‘parting the waves’
"3. Move into the opposing lane and approach the junction slowly."
"This should ensure that the emergency response driver does not cause the queuing traffic to drive into the junction against the red lights."
"4. Certain traffic light junctions are too dangerous to cross whilst the lights are red. These are normally where views are restricted, multi lane carriageways or where the speed of cross traffic is high."
A well known case in London when a driver did appeal and lost. Judge said don't drive through red light for any emergency vehicle.
I hope that judge gets a delayed ambulance when he/she needs it because of the stupid typical fucked up British law .
Yes, don't drive "through" a red light, but it's perfectly fine to pull just a bit over the white line and to the side so the emergency responder can get through, then you are not endangering other traffic and yourself as you won't actually enter the junction. Common sense.
That is not part of the British law as you can go through a red light if an emergency vehicle is trying to get through, the cameras pick up on the emergency vehicle so you will not get a ticket so please reread the law :)
He did the right thing, waited until he was instructed to do so.
Just noticed that in London they have a different law kinda because of the politicians, so the "London Law" is fucked
cars in the uk are not allowed to go past the line on a red light for any emergency vehicle by law.
so the blackcab driver was in the right
Thekillerfudge If instructed to by an officer then yes, you can.
But you could still get fined because of the traffic light cameras.
What a country, wow. No common sense.
Had I have been the taxi driver I’d have got out and told the copper to turn the siren off........because according to the law that’s what he should have done.
@@mygooseshrine Your only defense for running a red light is if a cop tells you to run the red. Since this was the case, the taxi driver has a chance of getting their red light ticket dished out.
OK, ... to anyone who is in doubt on this matter, allow me to suggest reading the following, it may prevent one of two things occurring, or both! 1) You could be prosecuted for contravening the red traffic signal if you cross it, 2) You could cause a serious accident if you contravene the red traffic signal. Either way, you'll be in the wrong. Please see below. It cannot be argued against in my opinion, but I daresay someone will want to try!
I'm on the side of the Association of Chief Police Officers. See their Emergency Response Manual. I quote from it below. You can google it.
*"When exercising the exemption to pass a red traffic light, drivers of emergency response vehicles should avoid causing a member of the public to contravene the red light. It should be borne in mind that the public do not have an exemption in law to contravene red traffic lights."*
"If an emergency response vehicle approaches a set of red lights, and vehicles occupy all the entry lanes at the stop line, the driver of the emergency response vehicle should consider one of the following options:"
*"1. Stop short of the queuing traffic and switch off all the emergency equipment until the lights change to green."*
"2. Position the emergency vehicle to straddle the white lines between lanes to encourage the public ahead to move sideways, ‘parting the waves’
"3. Move into the opposing lane and approach the junction slowly."
"This should ensure that the emergency response driver does not cause the queuing traffic to drive into the junction against the red lights."
"4. Certain traffic light junctions are too dangerous to cross whilst the lights are red. These are normally where views are restricted, multi lane carriageways or where the speed of cross traffic is high."
thats very interesting, in germany you can (or have to) pass a red traffic light in that situation
I understand that you may cross the line, if specifically as to by a Police officer.
Myiphone5 .... Who was that then? Please be specific where you challenge the ACPO Emergency Response Manual if that is what you are trying to do ... you won't be able to will you? STILL NO ANSWER AFTER A MONTH!!!
prm414 nope ... see above
Nope ... not unless he has FULL control of that junction and therefore knows which vehicles are entering and leaving it!
Absolutely correct driving on the part of the taxi driver. He must not break the line when the red light is shown because he is liable. If an officer directs him through the junction then he can move. For the unit to keep the siren sounding and even sound the bullhorn is against training and not safe.
Coppers as usual being Met have got it wrong.....wot a surprise! They're supposed to turn the sirens off but leave the blues on otherwise you
may panic a driver to move forward into oncoming traffic and cause an accident. If double crewed, lard arse (if he had some high viz )
could of got out and made a safe path by stopping oncoming traffic.
They just looked like idiots here. The correct procedure is to turn off the siren and wait which would have been a few seconds for the green light if you are blocked in with no where to go. Most police immediate grades are not that critical
Onnthis junction there are red light cameras. My experience: you have to drive trough the red light but will get a ticket. Try to prove there was a police car bihind you is impossible.
Had the taxi moved forward he would have been fined. It is a sad fact about London.
Taxi driver is totally in the right. You cannot go thru a red signal except if you are directed by a police officer in uniform. Sitting behind with the tones on does not constitute direction. The Regs say that at a red signal they should turn off their lights and siren and wait for a green light. Also note that the junction was fitted with a red light camera
Seriously? That's bad then. German laws for example will allow you to slowly and carefully proceed into the intersection. Any red light ticket would be dropped without a problem. - Everything else is just stupid
Nog311 you can drive through the red lights to make way for emergency vehicles when their in an emergency as long as it's safe without anyone needing to tell you
what a load of bollocks!! tell that to one of ya family members when they need the police.
Sorry Aidan but you are wrong here. Red lights are what is called an "absolute offence" Meaning that you only have to do it (actus reus) and the Crown does not need to prove a guilty intent (Mens rea). Your only defence is that you have been instructed to cross it by a Police Officer in uniform. The liability then rests with what officer.
The rules for emergency services is that you can treat red lights as "give way junctions", if you cannot pass on the wrong side of road you should, turn off your siren and lights and wait till the light goes green. These are covered in The Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016. Plus the driving policy of the Emergency Service you drive for.
Nog311 is your real name Buzz killington??
Great video catch @CobraEmergencyVideos - Europe.
That police car duo was clearly intimidating other drivers and had no right to behave in such aggression.
The Highway code is clear on these instances (highway code rule 219) and in summary "Do not endanger others - while complying with all traffic signs".
Thanks
Read the highway code... you don't have to make way for an emegency vechcle if it means you have to break the law... such as traffic lights or crossings.. the taxi driver knew the highway code and the knob behind with the blue lights did not
_"the knob behind with the blue lights did not"_
Yes he did. A police constable can order you to go through a red light. In that case you're in no troubles. Once you are instructed to go through a red light, you are obligated to do so. Because if you don't, YOU are the knob. YOU should read the law!
The taxi driver is probably a black immigrant and doesn’t know the law like you !!!! Moron ! Wasnotwas
Tell that to the people who the police was on way to help..
Always been told you cant go through a red even to let emergency vehicles through as we get ticketed, tough shit
Taxi is correct. You do not go through a red light unless directed to do so by a uniformed police officer. And let's face it - it couldn't have been that much of an emergency - the officer was in no hurry to get back into the police vehicle and wasn't even wearing a vest.
Unfortunately the law states that no vehicle except emergency vehicles should pass a red light with no exemptions. The police officer was simply bullying a driver who has every right to sit there and wait. If you run a Red light for an emergency vehicle you a liable to pay the fine and take points. Simple
Legally, an emergency vehicle cannot force you to go through a red light. This potentially puts you at risk as other drivers may not be expecting you and cause another accident.
Emergency vehicles have to wait behind you until it is safe for you to move. The police in this case were in the wrong.
he onlyproblem I see is when e.g. drivers from the UK are driving abroad and then refuse tomove for emergency vehicles although they have to, e.g. like in Germany. Then they'd get a ticket for not clearing the path. Here the emergency vehicles have the right of way and you are forced to do whatever is necessary to clear a path, even if that means to drive through a red light and into an intersection, to mount the curb or whatever
not in france. you must make may by any means
Police can direct you through a red traffic light. In that case, you must safely follow the officer's instructions.
The response driver is naughty there. You are trained to not bully your way through traffic, if the lights are on red and you cannot get through, leave lights on, turn siren off untill it is safe for the vehicle infront to move. Its not worth causing an accident by forcing someone to go through a red light just so you can attend an incident which may turn out to be less of an emergency than the potential accident the officer caused on his way.
he onlyproblem I see is when e.g. drivers from the UK are driving abroad and then refuse tomove for emergency vehicles although they have to, e.g. like in Germany. Then they'd get a ticket for not clearing the path.
Emergency services cannot legally force a driver through a red light, you cant use sirens as an excuse and will still get fined.
Wrong.
Police can, but only police, officers must be in uniform though.
I have never had to do it nor have I ever seen it done in person, but i'm sure at some point I will have to.
I'm serving in the same force.
thefiestaguy .... WRONG!!
@@alanharvey9094 You're wrong. Police can direct you through red traffic signals, and you have to do what they say, provided that it is safe to do so.
Welcome to the Internet, where people have different answers for the same video.
Lol you would be mad if you moved on red light your immediately fined and can also get charge of dangerous driving if people are crossing. Red light means stop and even police have to get permission to pass each speed camera. I was told by police officer never to go on red light even if police are behind you and never proceed if police car uses its headlights as there no recognised signal.
Please don't talk crap mate - I'm a serving officer in the same force, and police do NOT have to get permission to pass any speed camera at all, you haven't got a clue.
I've been with various drivers, some will slow down and then speed up once past it en-route to a call, others won't bother and just fly through setting it off, but it doesn't matter as we have lawful exemptions as we're responding to a call with all emergency equipment activated.
more crap from the fiestaguy ... absolute nonsense which he's been told countless times! Maybe he's on the case now after 7 months!
Am I the only one here thinking....why are the force spending Over 40 grand on 'Cars'.....for city centres? It would cost half as much for 2 motorcycles! Moving through situations like this would be much quicker! (Yes I realise a bike against a car would probably not fare well for a biker, but in terms of response 2 wheels, must be better in cities!) By the way...the Taxi driver was correct for waiting! As crap as it looks...He/She has to put food on the table too! Losing your income by doing right, just doesn't appeal to the local councils today in the UK! (It's so sad!)
Protocol for the blue lighter is approach the lights, turn off two tone, wait til light goes green, then put two tones back on. He should not have been squawking at the taxi. As has already been mentioned, immediate fine for driver going through red, and no guarantee that appeal will win. For a professional driver such as that taxi, how many fines could he potentially accrue in the middle of London in any given day by going through reds?
According to the road traffic act, you should not go through red lights unless directed by a uniformed police officer. Check your facts.
Dr Pellypo ... correct!
Dr Pellypo taxi driver is correct just horn and sirens are no good and met officers are trained to switch off the sound in that situation. The taxi driver is not allowed to Contravene a ATS on red. The officer in uniform directed him so at that point he can. Check out blue light aware for guidance.
Unless that officer has FULL control of that junction, he cannot order the taxi driver to contravene the ATS. A collision could occur due to the officer being unaware of a vehicle approaching from another turning.
Exactly. Police are not allowed to force a car to break any traffic laws to get out of their way. If a police car ever tries to force you to do that ignore them until it's safe. If an accident happens YOU are liable.
Probably got cameras at that junction
You can wait like all the rest of us
For a change... I think the cabbie was acting correctly.
You can't jump red lights even if there's an emergency vehicle behind you (assuming it was a red light).
The officer might have coerced the cab into committing an offence.
They're usually only in such a hurry and willing to break rules if one of their colleagues need help... And occasionally if they just want to beat the traffic.
Incorrect, police can legally direct traffic past a red stop light, and likewise stop any traffic with a green light from driving off.
It's an offence under the RTA to pass a red light, "not even for emergency vehicles" personally I would move for an ambulance or fire engine but not a cop, they are too unjust, beside they have a protocol to get past me at a set of red lights to counter the RTA.
1. The police officer should escort the driver from his vehicle to a safe place to wait.
2. The Officer moves vehicle to a safe and suitable parking space. Note only the driving officer can move the vehicle for insurance purposes.
3. The officer escorts the driver back to his vehicle.
The police cannot tell you to move across a red light. People have been prosecuted for doing so. DONT DO IT
I always do so, because here it's the law to clear the path, even if that means to drive through a red traffic light or up onto the sidewalk
Gullibles Travel a police officer can direct you to pass a red ATS.
stop chatting shit , you make yourself look silly lol .
Well the copper is wrong. If they are behind vehicles that are waiting at a red light they cannot instruct or force a driver to go through a red light. He should have sat there with his lights on to signal he needs priority when the lights change and knock off the sirens whilst he waits
the taxi driver was correct the officer driving in the aggressive changing his tones wasnt.
People commenting who have NO IDEA what is the correct procedure.
Okay so firstly: Highway Code - do not move through a red light UNLESS instructed to do so by a police officer.
So. The policeman EVENTUALLY got out of the car. if it was a GENUINE emergency; the policeman would have got out of the police car immediately; and how long did it take him to get back in? did he run? no, he casually walked.
Secondly, you can see the lines past the STOP line - they are lines for a red light camera. the cabbie knows that if he moves forward, it's 3 points and a fine - when your whole life relies on driving to pay bills, he cannot afford to do it. Sad, but correct.
Thirdly - in the POLICE DRIVERS MANUAL - if you are stuck in traffic; under no circumstances should you keep your siren on. you must sit there and wait until you are able to do so - anything in accordance with that and it is bullying other road users - yes they have a job to do, but they have rules and safety procedures to follow. They know the rules/law, and they know there's not much they can do.
Cabby 100% in the right
If you want 3 points and £100 pound fine go through the red light my mate did it and was caught on camera was sent fine in post phoned up they said never go through red light for any reason pay up and it was a ambulance pay up never go through on red so you make your choice
The reason your friend got fined is because this exemption applies to police only, also they must direct you through the junction with verbal commands, as it was an ambulance in your case the legal exemption does not apply, therefore going through a red is treated as if you had gone through a red without an ambulance present.
Yes, I know, it lacks common sense or any morality, but that's just the way it is.
thefiestaguy good look with that argument in court I would get out of my car and let the police officer 👮 drive my car it is also wrong for any emergency vehicle to leave his siren 🚨 on to intimidat you into going through a red light 🚦 that could cause a accident in the past I have pulled forward for emergency vehicles if safe to do so but I was braking the law and would not do this again is up to you to decide what you do thanks for your comment
Taxi driver knows the law very well.
While you are not supposed to obstruct a police car with blue lights, its up to you to move or not based on your assessment of the risks (people crossing etc) and not theirs. Also, you cannot be forced to commit a road traffic offense such as go through a red light in order to give way to an emergency vehicle.
Wrong.
Only police can direct you through red traffic lights, no other emergency service can.
Refusal to comply is an offence, although nobody's ever been stuck on for it, as it would be mightily harsh.
I'm a serving met officer.
Special Android it is very different in Melbourne Australia where I am. It is actually illegal not move for an emergency vehicle. Even if this means committing minor traffic offences. An emergency vehicle overrides all other laws.
thefiestaguy you're wrong
You are actually not aloud to run a red light, even if there is an emergency vehicle behind you.
I'm not wrong, perhaps research UK road laws mate before you start saying people are "wrong".
Only police can require someone to proceed through a red light, refusal to comply IS an offence, however nobody's ever been stuck on for it from what I recall.
From what I know & have been told is .. don't go through a red light even though your instincts tell you to do so. Emergency service drives are trained to manoeuvre around you. If you go through a red light and get "flashed" by a red light camera you will still be fined and get penalty points on your license, if you cause an accident by going through a red light you will be charged.
Cops can direct people past red traffic signals.
Even in an emergency the police are still required to bide by the Highway Code and can’t force cars out of their way, if it is safe to do so most driver will move but if there is a chance of getting a fine or points on their licence a driver is not required to brake the law
You couldn't be more wrong i'm afraid.
thefiestaguy ... you're still at it! It is yourself who could not be more wrong, I'm afraid! ... I had assumed that you read the ACPO Emergency Response Manual which I posted details of and where it states:
"When exercising the exemption to pass a red traffic light, drivers of emergency response vehicles should avoid causing a member of the public to contravene the red light. *It should be borne in mind that the public do not have an exemption in law to contravene red traffic lights."*
"If an emergency response vehicle approaches a set of red lights, and vehicles occupy all the entry lanes at the stop line, the driver of the emergency response vehicle should consider one of the following options:"
*"1. Stop short of the queuing traffic and switch off all the emergency equipment until the lights change to green."*
"2. Position the emergency vehicle to straddle the white lines between lanes to encourage the public ahead to move sideways, ‘parting the waves’
"3. Move into the opposing lane and approach the junction slowly."
"This should ensure that the emergency response driver does not cause the queuing traffic to drive into the junction against the red lights."
"4. Certain traffic light junctions are too dangerous to cross whilst the lights are red. These are normally where views are restricted, multi lane carriageways or where the speed of cross traffic is high."
You obviously didn't read it.
Michael Myers .. You are correct Michael and you are in agreement with the Association of Chief Police Officers who state:
"When exercising the exemption to pass a red traffic light, drivers of emergency response vehicles should avoid causing a member of the public to contravene the red light. *It should be borne in mind that the public do not have an exemption in law to contravene red traffic lights."*
"If an emergency response vehicle approaches a set of red lights, and vehicles occupy all the entry lanes at the stop line, the driver of the emergency response vehicle should consider one of the following options:"
*"1. Stop short of the queuing traffic and switch off all the emergency equipment until the lights change to green."*
"2. Position the emergency vehicle to straddle the white lines between lanes to encourage the public ahead to move sideways, ‘parting the waves’
"3. Move into the opposing lane and approach the junction slowly."
"This should ensure that the emergency response driver does not cause the queuing traffic to drive into the junction against the red lights."
"4. Certain traffic light junctions are too dangerous to cross whilst the lights are red. These are normally where views are restricted, multi lane carriageways or where the speed of cross traffic is high."
I did read it, you're the one who obviously cannot read.
the key words you keep missing are "SHOULD" avoid.
Should means exactly that - should avoid unless absolutely necessary, I don't know how many times I have to explain it.
'Should' does not mean "Must not under no circumstances".
The law is not an exemption, it's a defence, it's not an exemption from a red traffic light, it's a defence, "I went through the red light because I was asked to by an officer in uniform".
If you bothered to watch the video I linked to in a previous comment, you'll clearly see police officers can do it as it's done in the video I linked previously.
Again, it's you who cannot comprehend law, you think because you read an emergency response driving manual you're an expert.
A so called 'expert' who quite clearly has difficulty comprehending what the words "should" and "avoid" mean.
Exactly as Dr Pellypo says below, there was a guy on radio 2 a few months back, ran a red to let an ambulance through on blues, got done for it - no appeal.
In the UK, if you cross the stop line at the junction whilst the lights are on red, you will commit the offence of contravening a red traffic light. However, if there is an emergency vehicle behind you with its emergency warning signals on it might be possible for you to manoeuvre out of the way to allow it through. Ideally this should be to the side of the road without encroaching into the main area of the junction. It should only be done when it is safe to do so without putting yourself or other members of the public in danger and it should only be done slowly and carefully.
It is important to remember that in committing the offence (crossing the stop line) the onus will be on you to provide evidence that you did so to allow an emergency vehicle through, and this may be considered as mitigation.
fdama tell that to the magistrate and he'll say tough titty.
wrong I'm afraid .... contravening a red light is points on licence for sure and regardless of emergency vehicles etc.
This exact question was posed at a meeting of South London Institute of Advanced Motorists, where the speaker was a rather well known Traffic Chief Insp. He confirmed you could be fined for going thru a red light in exactly this scenario
It is illegal to go through a red light under any circumstances and fines have been issued in the past for drivers proceeding to go through a red to let an emergency vehicle through.
The Police have to be in front of you to direct you through a red light. I you run a red to let an emergency vehicle through and someone collides with you or you cause them to hit someone or something else then you will be at fault.
Seriously, how dare you block this vital police vehicle! If they've pre-ordered and perhaps pre-paid for a range of delicious, piping hot curry meals, they have every right to eat them back at the station, (whilst still 'on the clock'), before they get too cold to enjoy.
Roger Lane 😂😂😂
Just goes to show that absolute idiots are running this country. The cabbie was in a no win situation here - run a red light, get done, insurance goes up or he could even lose his licence. Stay put and the cops do him for causing an obstruction or wasting police time. This is typical of what happens when you take out the human element and allow technology to be the be all and end all.
you must obey the highway code even when moving out of the way of any emergency service.
Yes ... and the Highway Code states, _"Consider the route of such a vehicle and take appropriate action to let it pass, while complying with all traffic signs."_
Your under NO OBLIGATION to move forward on a Red Light!!
You are if instructed to do so by a police officer in uniform
Spot on. The driver could and I suggest, could have cancelled the siren and waited for the lights to change, however, we don't know what the call was, do we. The law clearly states that a uniformed officer can instruct a vehicle to contravene a red light.
Did you know that if you went through a red light and it has a camera on it you would still receive a fine even if you were moving for emergency vehockesy
Exactly and poeple have been prosecuted for moving across a red line for police and ambulance
Again, not true. In Bristol a man was told to move through a red light by Plod to let an ambulance through, he did and got a FPN for running a red light. He appealed and lost. Check google for it. It was in Bristol. THe plod are Law enforcers not law makers they cannot instruct someone to knowingly break the law.
Police are not allowed to force a car to break any traffic laws to get out of their way. If a police car ever tries to force you to do that ignore them until it's safe.
Most of the yellow bays and lights have cameras on them and you get a fine and points automatically sent through the post .. then you got to argue with the computer that says no ..
thefiestaguy do u know w how many times I've had fines sent to me as a taxi driver for driving in bus lanes ? At least 6 times don't trust the person operating the camera to use common sense because they won't
You driving a taxi in a bus lane is very different to a marked police vehicle being in shot with a car going through red lights..... assuming there's even a camera fitted (in this case there is, but in a lot of instances there are no cameras).
There's also a difference.
Driving a tax in a bus lane (which is usually allowed) but they're mistaking you for a normal car - even then it's a civil "offence" per se, and not against the law.
Whereas driving too fast is a crime, falling into traffic law.
As a result, in your instance the person operating the camera is probably employed by the council, in fact it's almost certain they are, unless it's contracted out by some chance to a third party firm who operate it on their behalf.
Whereas the speed cameras are operated by police and so they will be reviewing the evidence and any footage, not the council's employees, they have a better understanding of law and specifically should know about these exemptions, such as the one in the video whereby it's permissable to go through a red ONLY if directed to do so by a constable in uniform, provided a police vehicle is in shot with lights activated there shouldn't be much of an issue.
This ONLY applies to police, remember, no other emergency service currently.
I agree mate in this country you guilty till you prove yourself inasent
Peter whitehouse yeah and all to help them twats out who half the time are on no real emergency anyway.
Pretty sure it's not down to you to decide what is and what isn't an emergency.
Hey Cobra! Nice video man. :)
Cheers!
And no seat belt...
taxi drivers dont need to wear them by law
I don't know what England's law says, but in Australia you can proceed through a red light "with care and if it is safe to do so" in order to provide access for an emergency vehicle which is operating its lights and siren.
WA, ACT, NT and TAS you can not. Any red light camera fines incurred for doing so is payable at your own expense. Only allowed in NSW, QLD, VIC and SA as long as it is safe to do so. So, not all of Australia will allow you to do so as each state and territory enforces their own traffic laws and penalties to them.
Taxi driver obeyed the law it's illegal to cross line on red see highway code
Taxi driver completely in the right here. If he drove through the red light he risked being done with it and would have no defence. I wouldn't cross the white line where a red light shows. The emergency vehicle would have to wait. If they want me to drive forward then I would be quite happy to however not if I risk points on my licence and a fine.
Your not meant to have your sirens on in traffic if you can't get through. But a uniformed police officer can instruct traffic to move.
Sam Sephton loool, thats the problem with uk. You have too many useless rules, health and safety right...lol
what if you pull out at a red light and you run somebody over? your fault. You shouldn't move even if police tell you to. You and I are not trained to go through a red light. A police car is! if you do it and have an accident its your fault
Hold on a sec the copper is telling the taxi driver to break the law
The law states You must not break the law to move out of the way for an emergency vehicle, and you will be liable for prosecution if you do.
Not if a police officer directs you through a red traffic signal.
This is bad driving by the cop .. You shouldn't 'force' any other motorist to commit any kind of traffic offence .. If the taxi had driven forward through a red light and hit a pedestrian or another vehicle, that would have been entirely his own responsibility .. The recommendations from the police driving school is that if you cant go around the traffic, and they can't or wont make a gap for you then you turn the twos and blues off and wait until they do ... There are times when the traffic in London is just gridlocked and no amount of angry horn honking is going to change that ... If the call is that important (and to be fair sometimes they are) then it's the job of the individual officer to take responsibility for his own driving and take his own risks ...
luckily it's like that only in the UK (probably only the UK); Here emergency vehicles have the right of way and may force other vehicles to move through a red traffic light
The question is do they then bear the responsibility for anything that may happen ... if not then that isn't really an ethical policy .... It really is a matter of who shoulders the 'blame' ....
it's the driver causing the accident, not the operator of the emergency vehicle. Pulling over and clearing the path doesn't mean to step on the gas and hoping for the best, but watching out for other road users carefully: pedestrians, bike riders and other cars. Diong so slowly, making eye contact to other drivers, warning them with high-beams flasing and honking if necessary ... but usually one or two cars can easily move over the stopping lane and through the red traffic light into the intersection without (!) coming into the lanes of crossing traffic.
Here's an example where you can see the car moving out of the way immediately and without coming into the path of potential crossing vehicle traffic: ruclips.net/video/AS6Z5AyImmc/видео.html
It's ironic you say "take risks" and "entirely his own responsibility", but you then slate him when he does exactly that, makes a risk assessment and asks a driver to proceed through....
No he didn't take responsibility, he could have driven around the taxi on the pavement .. it's a low kerb there, but that contravenes both police policy, and if he has an accident he will get prosecuted for careless driving at least for sure .. If he isn't taking that kind of risk the call isn't worth pushing somebody else to break the law if they don't want to .. he can wait a few seconds longer ... that is what he is supposed to do
Here in Czech republic, drivers ARE allowed to go through the red light patiently if an emergency car needs it, stuck behind them. Is it different in UK?
Jerry Whitaker They are against themself in these laws.
Even if a police officer tells you to it isn't on ..... a policeofficer needs control of the WHOLE of that junction in order to direct traffic.
Worth noting that unless directed by a police officer the taxi driver is breaking the law by crossing white line at a red light.
What's he doing in a bus and taxi lane?
lol this still going on same people with the same flawed arguments. fact blue lights at a red traffic light does " NOT" mean you cross the line to make room! only exception to this is if an officer in uniform controls traffic. then and only then can you jump a red light. FACT!
McEntee McEnlee ... you are correct!
so funny to see these comments where idiots think they are sooo right ... but in fact are wrong.
I'm on the side of the Association of Chief Police Officers. See their Emergency Response Manual. I quote from it below. People can google it.
"When exercising the exemption to pass a red traffic light, drivers of emergency response vehicles should avoid causing a member of the public to contravene the red light. It should be borne in mind that the public do not have an exemption in law to contravene red traffic lights."
"If an emergency response vehicle approaches a set of red lights, and vehicles occupy all the entry lanes at the stop line, the driver of the emergency response vehicle should consider one of the following options:"
"1. Stop short of the queuing traffic and switch off all the emergency equipment until the lights change to green."
"2. Position the emergency vehicle to straddle the white lines between lanes to encourage the public ahead to move sideways, ‘parting the waves’
"3. Move into the opposing lane and approach the junction slowly."
"This should ensure that the emergency response driver does not cause the queuing traffic to drive into the junction against the red lights."
"4. Certain traffic light junctions are too dangerous to cross whilst the lights are red. These are normally where views are restricted, multi lane carriageways or where the speed of cross traffic is high."
Whats the NEW bit got to it at all???
I make the Taxi driver right for not moving under theses circumstances.
In the past I would have moved but not anymore when our insanely stupid legal system books people for going through a red light to let emergency vehicles through. You are only allowed to go through a red light in this instance if you are specifically instructed to by a police officer - and that's what happened.
Well done taxi driver - you upheld the law lol. the taxi driver was right for staying put cause if he went through a red light he would most likely have been fined.
plate noted, fine send?
And all for a cup of tea😂😥
What kind of bmw was that the first one
Thought these were 2 Series Active Tourers
It's actually a 218i Gran Tourer.
It is, indeed. With a pathetic 1.5 litre 3 cylinder engine.
fwd small Mpv or pos.
ALWAYS SMILING it's a shit heap
Never understood why they call a slow and boring mpv a gran tourer LOL
pa system???no using?
NO PA! Not fitted!
Actually the taxi driver was in the right because if there is a line of cars at a traffic light the cars cannot move over for Cop cars
na he actually isn't but not much can be done, you should make way for emergency vehicles, he could have moved a bit to let it through. There was nothing preventing him moving 6 - 8 feet forward mate ;)
Offshore Sparky Apart from the highway code. You're not allowed to pass a red light to let emergency vehicles passed. It's against the law
That's not entirely true. When directed by a cop in uniform he is obliged to pass through. Secondly he was half over the white line anyway as was the other motor anyway! So I maintain, another few feet wouldn't make much odds as he had already crossed the line. Maybe my original comment wasn't very clear, sorry. As I said it wouldn't have taken much to allow the car through. I wonder if you would be as happy if it were one of your family being raped or held at gun point and the car couldn't get there?
The highway code isn't law but a guide to RTA law. A simplified guide on the actual law.
Even camera generated tickets for going through a red light to allow emergency vehicles passed are simply dropped as it is common sense. Granted, it is idiotic to have these laws when it is a matter of life and death but having served as a police officer for 8 years I wouldn't even give it a second thought, I would pass through to allow the safe advance of an emergency vehicle as I know it could mean life or death.
Just as a side note, if an emergency vehicle passes through a red light and causes an accident, the driver of said vehicle will be charged with failing to obey a traffic light. Trust me, I was charged en route to a rape in progress, fortunately due to the urgent nature the charge was no proceeded with, as is the case with members of the public going through a red. You are however correct, if you pass through, in theory you could be charged but I seriously doubt any court would find you guilty.
I was done for going though a red light 3 years ago. It was actually yellow but that's apparently going though a red according to them... I pulled this up, and infact it is against the law to go though a red light even if emergency services are behind you! So if a police officer instructs you to do so, he's actually breaking the law.
Here in the UK the traffic laws are mainly to grab money off you I'm afraid. - I was even told the other day, if you have your hand out the window and not on the steering wheel (one hand off) and a cop is in a bad mood they can do you for that also, due care and attention (don't quote me) as I'm on the road A LOT and never been pulled over for it.
Generally emergency vehicles turn off sirens when approaching traffic at a red light, however, they may leave siren on and tell you to move out of the way. If you're stopped at a red and they are behind you with the sirens on, look in the mirror as they are probably instructing you to move - which they can do.
should have moved far enough to let the cops go.
Ynot6 nah lad, them lights are on red, if he goes through and there's a traffic camera there, it'll issue him a ticket and he can't appeal it because he broke the law by going through.
i mean if the officer told him to do so it should be fine
Hazard lights on and creep forwards as if the light is green but ONLY IF SAFE TO DO SO The reason for a drivers license is that you should be able to handle the vehicle you drive at those times when the rules are not so straight forward. I have pulled forward "exercising caution" through a red light signal, i would happily argue that with any "authorities"
Well I thought emergency vehicles was supposed to turn sirens off at lights with traffic and wait as it can create an accident ahh but they can they are the law and make it up as they go along forgot bout that pfffft
matchew bacca you are correct
Taxi was under no obligation to move, and was in the right. It was a red light and they would still get a fine / points for driving through it. The police car needs to wait until a green light before continuing to make progress.
you don't have to get out of the way
Police car cannot force you to move at red light.. they must turn off there sirens. But can keep there blue light on. If do drive passed a red light you can be fined and points.
Anthony Hill Plain , Simple Correct 👍😎🌲🎄 www.bluelightaware.org.uk. You WILL BE FINED AND POINTS
Officer in uniform can make a legal requirement to you to proceed through a red, it rarely happens but you do see it every now and then, there's a video of it being done on RUclips.
ruclips.net/video/AqlL9nHiRYY/видео.html
Note it's on red when he asks the driver to move forward, it's still red when they proceed through, by the time he gets back into the vehicle and drives through it appears the lights have just changed to green.
He wouldn't ask someone to do it if he didn't have the legal power to do so, he'd get into serious trouble if anything happened as a result. Even with legal justification for doing so he'd be in hot water if the driver proceeded through and managed to collide with another vehicle, resulting in injury or death.
Judging by the star on his shoulder I guess that he is quite senior in the police hierarchy
There's no star it's the badge/button at the top of his epaulet to hold it to his shirt
It's not even that, the epaulettes slide over a bit that is unbuttoned from the shirt or vest, they then slide on and then you button it down again. The silver bit from memory is just a decorative item, I wear this uniform as I serve in the same force.
Just a standard Police Constable actually.
RaptusHellwolfe oh ok
It’s illegal to go through red light regardless if there is a emergency response behind you
Stupid driver... UK police does a great job! Good catch, CobraEmergency! From France.
mathieu benezech Je me sens moins seul désormais ! C'est clair que le conducteur de l'autre voiture est un idiot, en plus cette BMW est absolument magnifique, très bien équipée, raison de plus pour la laisser passer ahah ;)
Philippe BUCHERT Ah, ah! C'est clair. Magnifique véhicule, et moi aussi je me sens moins seul! 😉
You are not allowed to jump a red light or use a bus Lane, even to get out of the way of an emergency service vehicle. If you get a fine/points for going through a red light your excuse that you were moving out of the way for a police car doesn't count for anything. So no, they weren't stupid, they were right
Chris Bassett is legally correct.
Chris Bassett He could go a small on the left. And i knew the rules about the red light. Just a small on the left... (sorry for my english)
Okay this video has made me change my understanding of moving for emergency vehicles completely... confusing.
All these people here quoting Highway Code regulations, and defending the taxi driver are most likely hypocrits of the highest order. All you defending him drive exactly to the speed limits do you ? Bullshit, this is a situation which calls for common sense, the taxi could've moved over without causing a major incident, stop being so pedantic, also if that was your mother/wife/son or daughter that needed that urgent police assistance would you be so concerned that all Highway Code laws were obeyed ? Or would you rather common sense was used and the police/ambulance got there as soon as they could
Pokerclown 79 your a palace fan you don't have a say.
The red light cameras at busy urban centres cause a headache to a motorist that was otherwise trying to help...
Whilst I agree its helpful when people move out the way, the highway code is clear... You cant be bullied into contraveyning signs or signals, unless specifically directed to do so by a constable in uniform or authorised uniformed person on point duty (i.e. Psco).
All National Ambulance, Fire and Police personnel trained in blue light runs in England and Wales are taught this and usually told to deactivate sirens (and blues) when coming to stationary traffic and to re activate when traffic is moving and space can be safely created.
common sense was used the taxi driver did as he was supposed, the copper should have got off his arse quicker. dont you know the law.
You do know you get fined for letter them through at lights where there is a camera... By your logic murder is wrong but if someone pushed you use common sense and do it? You're real smart
Sercan Atim that's possibly the dumbest comment I've ever read. Congratulations. Not sure how you compare using logic and moving aside for emergency vehicles to murder but you managed it. Think it's you who is the thicko mate. Btw you can appeal unfair tickets you know
I thought it was legal to jump a red light if you have to make way for emergency services. I've done it before.
A taxi driver knows the laws about moving for emergency services better than anyone. He wouldn't move because he knows he would of been fined.
*New Title :* UK Police Officer breaks law twice, deliberately endangers bystanders.
Totally unacceptable! Police officer recklessly endangers public, breaks the law and ignores his own ACPO guidance - thus putting motorists and pedestrians at risk. Siren should be off until lights changed - and motorist not harassed (or, in this case, instructed) to crossing the red.
Now, before you all start flaming me... I have the Road Teaffic Act, the Chief Police Officers Association, the Lords and the High Court on my side. it's the Law whether you think it right or not. It's been reviewed in many high court decisions, Lords reviews and several issues of guidance from the Association of Chief Police Officers... following multiple deaths where motorists have been clipped by cross traffic - and in at least one case fatally sending vehicles into pedestrians.
This officer should have known better. Motorist should really have continued to follow the RTA and Reg.219 ... NOT to mount curb or go against lights and traffic signage to make way for emergency vehicles.
Both broke the Law - but the officer has absolutely no excuse.
- Motorist was in the right to remain involuntarily obstructing ... was wrong to move, but it is understandable.
- Officer was acting unlawfully (twice) and, given the repeated ACPO guidance and his ERV training, inexcusably so.
That doesn't mean that I'd refuse to move. I'd happily break the law to assist (if, I felt I could do so safely) - and I'd accept the consequences. I expect that would be the instinct of many decent people. That cabbie chose not to, so he tried to stick to the law. I'd imagine partly because he's held to a higher licensing standard and can't get points on his license or he loses his job and that hurts his family.
But the officer had NO RIGHT to instruct the vehicle. And, even though a police officer MAY direct traffic - they can only do so from the front and when in control of ALL traffic at the intersection, anything else is endangerment. If in control of the entire intersection, they 'become' the appropriate traffic signage, thus no laws are broken.
Getting salty? Feeling some rage? Want to tear a strip off me? Fine ...
But first, here are some friendly tips to avoid looking like a complete idiot....
1. Private Motorists : Refresh your memory on RTA Reg 219 (Concerning the motorists response to Emergency Vehicles)
2. If you're a Police Officer arguing the toss, first check for the ACPO guidance on the matter. If not, I'll cheerfully post it at you.
3. If you think the above just sounds stupid, regardless of what the law says - I agree! Take it up with your government.
K, Let the poorly informed heavily opinionated knee-jerking commence ; )
I can understand that though. It's frustrating when rushing to an emergency call-out. And sure, perhaps the Law needs reviewing, I totally get peoples opposition to the idea of an Emergency Response Vehicle stuck behind traffic.
But...
The more worrying thing here is just how many people here seem to blindly accept (and vigorously defend from ignorance) the idea that the police have some ultimate authority and that compliance is required even where the order conflicts with Law.
This is a rather worrying trend I'm seeing a lot these days. A growing preference for Authority over Law. As though people are so bombarded with information and opinion that they seek to delegate decision making.
After all, without an incredulous public the nanny state is just one jack-booted step from complete authoritarianism. The simplest defense, to creeping authoritarianism, being the willingness and ability of the public to arch a cynical eyebrow at any claim of authority.
Heck, I'd even go so far as to call it a duty : )
Gonna shut up now, before I start sounding like Ted Kaczynski - LOL
GaryChap agree totally!
Always remember a few years ago my wife and I were travelling to the hospital in freezing fog one morning when a fire engine came upon us from behind with blue lights on and sirens on. When we got to the next village which was called Cowie in Stirlingshire there was the fire engine sitting at the local shop, we got stopped with the traffic but what we both noticed was two firemen coming out of the shop with papers and other things, anyway when we were coming home I stopped at the shop and happened to mention to the shopkeeper about the fire engine, he told us that they quite often go into his shop for papers and various other things. So it wasn’t an emergency, it was a line of slow traffic in freezing fog and frosty conditions that must have been holding them up.
Quite sad that they can do this.
Johnny Rogerson More likely, the Machine on Blue lights was going onto another Stn’s ground . That machine can receive a stop message by radio at any time (Appliance not needed ) So may of given you that impression . They will then return to base Stn . At all times the appliance is available for calls buy radio . Popping into a shop to pick up a paper , food groceries etc is not a big deal as they are available for emergency calls buy radio at all times . Turning on blue lights and sirens to get out of traffic or to go shopping especially in fog would be a absolute NO NO ❗️
Go through the signals u get fined cameras on the lights
I notice the police car has a left hand drive. Is that usual in the UK?
Joey Breezes NO ...It was the “Red Mist “Numpty operator who got out to wag his little finger , NOT THE “Red Mist “ piss poor driver .
RUB1 Tan Cool. In Oklahoma City, generally it's one officer per car, and I'm used to that.
Joey Breezes 👍👍✌️❤️
Taxi had every right to stay put. Entering a box junction without a clear exit , illegal. the cop should have known that. Emergency or not. Plus busy crossing traffic.