Blue Light Policy
Freedom of Information Request
- Reference
- 1678/22
- Request Date
- 29 Sep 2022
- Response Date
- 20 Oct 2022
- Information Requested
- What is the policy on the use of “Blue Lights”
- When would an ambulance use the hard shoulder
- Response
We do not hold a policy, specific to the use of “Blue Lights”. To help explain, an ambulance driver is deemed to be engaged in an emergency response when they are using the Emergency Warning Equipment (EWE) to facilitate progress. Whilst these systems are in use there are exemptions that are afforded to them under, The Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984, section 87.
Further information can be found; Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (legislation.gov.uk)
Emergency driving is a privileged skill underpinned by advanced training and assessment, all drivers are trained to a national driver training program and with this comes the personal responsibility to act in accordance with the provided training and compliance within the legislations.
The over-riding priority in all driving situations is the safety of staff, patients, passengers, and other road users. It is therefore at the discretion of the driver to decide in any given circumstance the use or non-use of exemptions on a case-by-case basis dependent on the situations or circumstances that driver may face.
As explained above.
The over-riding priority in all driving situations is the safety of staff, patients, passengers, and other road users. It is therefore at the discretion of the driver to decide in any given circumstance the use or non-use of exemptions, allowing them to make progress on a case-by-case basis dependent on the situations or circumstances that the driver may face.
- Response Documents
