Hitchcocks Forum

Would it be worthwhile, when stopped at a red light and a bit bored, check if there's a traffic-light-camera?

Then, if an emergency vehicle comes up behind you, you could carefully move out of the way if there isn't a camera, or if there is one, decide on (a) common sense and let it through or
(b) stay put as you're legally supposed to and not get a fine or points or maybe lose your licence.... which could cause some people to lose their job as well.

A camera would record the emergency vehicle behind you if you move to the side to let it through. You might only receive a fine if you continued all the way through the intersection. My Bullet would stall when a light turned green, I think green lights suck the electricity out of the ignition system. Ticked over perfectly when the light is red.

Highway code is a bit vague on this: "Consider the route of such a vehicle and take appropriate action to let it pass, while complying with all traffic signs. If necessary, pull to the side of the road and stop, but try to avoid stopping before the brow of a hill, a bend or narrow section of road. Do not endanger yourself, other road users or pedestrians and avoid mounting the kerb." There is more but this seems to be the part that applies to the question of what happens if you break a regulation posted by a sign or lights.

REgards, Mark

turn the question round. You've given yourself a heart attack trying to kick start a bullet, and the ambulance that's rushing to your aid is held up by some selfish sod who doesn't want to risk a ticket,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

I always contravene the highway code (if safe to do so) to let a blue light through (or a green one)
If anyone objected I'd see them in court.

Some years ago my wife and I were riding through a French village at the limit of 50kph, (30mph in real money.)
Then a saw in my rear view mirrors a battle bus full of Gendarmes coming up behind at warp factor nine blue lights and sirens at full blast.
There was nowhere to pull in to let them pass so my wife and I accelerated up to match speed with the battle bus, (somewhat in excess of the national speed limit on French motorways.)

When a long layby appeared to the right, which was after going through the village at ridiculous speeds, we pulled into the layby and the battle bus went past with a friendly wave from the occupants.

Quite agree you'd want to let any emergency vehicles through; some daft stuff on the web about people who'd let an ambulance through but not the police.... who are perhaps on the way to look after your grandmother or whatever??????

Still pretty awful to get points and then go home to tell your wife that your job's gone so no more money as of next week. Clearly not in the same league as the police having to knock on and explain the ambulance couldn't get through....

Still makes me think it's worthwhile looking to see if there's a camera there at all so as to save any debate.

I’ve tried to steer away from this potentially emotive topic but I’m disappointed that nobody seems to have referred to the link to the Blue Light Aware website I posted earlier which provides helpful guidance. This organisation has many sponsors and supporters including ACPO and emergency organisations (see the About page). Also several of the emergency services collaborated to provide the advisory video also available on the website. The general advice to the motorist is NOT to move – it is up to the emergency vehicle to manoeuvre. The exception is when directed by a police officer who must be in uniform and on foot. Just directing or gesticulating at a motorist from within the confines of a police car is not valid. It is now illegal to DELIBERATELY obstruct an emergency vehicle.