OK guy's, a question, whoever get's it right within 24hrs will get a prize sent to them. The question is this: -

 

What is the only vehicle that is legally allowed to go through a red set of traffic lights? And no, it's not my wheelchair.....lol :wheelchair:

 

24 hrs starting now, and no cheating...

They must treat it as a Give way sign, which is why its there fault if an accident occurs, just like any give way sign. This is what makes it Legal.

 

If it was illegal then they would not be allowed to do it. The police can also legally direct other traffic through a red light.

 

No, just because they are allowed to treat a red light as a giveway does not mean that they are allowed by law to go through that red light!! If they were involved in a RTC whilst going through that red light, it would be their fault, it is only a courtesy that allows them to go through, not the law, the only vehicle LEGALLY allowed to go through a red light is a ROYAL MAIL vehicle, please look it up on ask.com or wherever you like, sorry, I don't make the law, I just abide by it.

Ahem... (shoulda gone to specsavers) :innocent:

 

I fully believe that plod told you about this ancient rule from the times when cars shared the roads with horses and carts. I do not dispute this. what I do dispute is whether or not this 'law' would be upheld or even applied. I'm not a barrister or a law expert, but I'm pretty confident I could tear such a big hole in this illogical remnant from a bygone era, that a jury would rule unamimously in my favour, were I to act as prosecution in a case which represented someone injured by a Royal Mail van hitting another car as a result of running a red light.

 

As a matter of interest, there is a law in Canada that says you are not allowed to have sex with a dead fish. Bummer, guess I'll have to book my summer hols somewhere else then :pinch:

 

I think it may change soon, but you cannot take the queen or the crown to court, and as the royal mail is deemed as the queens mail, who would you take to court? As I say, I don't make the laws, it may stem back for a very long time, but I think you would have a big fight on your hands if it ever did happen, but as we all know that the royal mail abide by the same rules as we all do, I doubt very much it will happen. It's just like all the legal loopholes in the law, such as caliberation of speeding equipment used by a police officer, if it hasn't been caliberated the day of use, it is not admissible in court.....I wouldn't make something like this up, what would be the point?......:happybday:

its a royal mail van and its only because it bears the ensignia of the queen. (extra points for the reason I think!) :)

Its not that bad Pabs,

 

It doesn't say anything about the fish if they're alive :scared:

 

On second thoughts...:whistling:

 

Yeah, and being an ex-paramedic, they would probably tell me I could have revived them.....lol:tt2::tt2:

:tt2:Oh well, it got a good debate going anyway.....lol.....:tt2:

No, just because they are allowed to treat a red light as a giveway does not mean that they are allowed by law to go through that red light!! If they were involved in a RTC whilst going through that red light, it would be their fault, it is only a courtesy that allows them to go through, not the law, the only vehicle LEGALLY allowed to go through a red light is a ROYAL MAIL vehicle, please look it up on ask.com or wherever you like, sorry, I don't make the law, I just abide by it.

 

Not going to argue, I guess its all about the wording/intepretion used when you receive the training.

 

My brother-in-law is a fireman, and main Driver for his service, and I did look it up, to double check.

Edited February 10, 201114 yr by Yowser

Not going to argue, I'd just be repeating myself.

 

My brother-in-law is a fireman, and main Driver for his service, and I did look it up, to double check.

 

In that case, your brother in law should know that it is not a legal right for an emergency vehicle of whatever shape or form to go through a red light.

 

With the Fire, Police and Ambulance services, it is courtesy, if it were a relative of yours that was being burgled, or their house was on fire, or god forbid a medical emergency, you would like the various different vehicles to arrive as quick as possible, yes, so traffic moves over for an emegency vehicle, and they go through red lights, but they do not have a legal right to go through that red light. I am repeating myself now, believe whatever you like, I know this is right........:angel:

In that case, your brother in law should know that it is not a legal right for an emergency vehicle of whatever shape or form to go through a red light.

 

With the Fire, Police and Ambulance services, it is courtesy, if it were a relative of yours that was being burgled, or their house was on fire, or god forbid a medical emergency, you would like the various different vehicles to arrive as quick as possible, yes, so traffic moves over for an emegency vehicle, and they go through red lights, but they do not have a legal right to go through that red light. I am repeating myself now, believe whatever you like, I know this is right........:angel:

 

Im annoying myself now LOL , but I've been asked to show you Regulation 36(1)(b) of The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002 which proves legal exemption for emergency services, as I've explained above.

 

For future reference : http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/3113/regulation/36/made

Edited February 10, 201114 yr by Yowser

is it an ambulance that can go through red lights?

is it an ambulance that can go through red lights?

 

:lol:

:lol:

Im annoying myself now LOL , but I've been asked to show you Regulation 36(1)(b) of The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002 which proves legal exemption for emergency services, as I've explained above.

 

For future reference : http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/3113/regulation/36/made

 

(a)subject to sub-paragraph (b) and, where the red signal is shown at the same time as the green arrow signal, to sub-paragraphs (f) and (g), the red signal shall convey the prohibition that vehicular traffic shall not proceed beyond the stop line;.

(b)when a vehicle is being used for fire brigade, ambulance, bomb or explosive disposal, national blood service or police purposes and the observance of the prohibition conveyed by the red signal in accordance with sub-paragraph (a) would be likely to hinder the use of that vehicle for the purpose for which it is being used, then sub-paragraph (a) shall not apply to the vehicle, and the red signal shall convey the prohibition that that vehicle shall not proceed beyond the stop line in a manner or at a time likely to endanger any person or to cause the driver of any vehicle proceeding in accordance with the indications of light signals operating in association with the signals displaying the red signal to change its speed or course in order to avoid an accident;.

 

Exactly my point, this is basically saying that the emergency vehicle should treat the lights as a give way, but if you have an RTC doing it then watch out, this is not saying that the emergency services have a legal right to drive through a red light, it is in fact stating the opposite, that it should stop behind the stop line.

 

 

 

Vehicle control and right-of-way

All drivers shall attempt to maintain control of the vehicle that they are operating in such a manner as

to provide the maximum level of safety for both their passengers and the general public. Emergency

vehicle drivers should be aware that the civilian vehicle operators may not react in the manner in

which is expected or felt to be appropriate. An attempt should be made to have options available when

passing or overtaking vehicles. If another vehicle operator fails to yield the right of way to an

emergency vehicle, the emergency vehicle driver can not force the right of way, nor can you assume

the right of way, therefore you do not have the right of way until the other vehicle yields to you.

The emergency vehicle driver shall be aware of his/her rate of closure on other vehicles and

pedestrians at all times to make sure that a safe following distance is established and maintained. All

drivers shall follow the rule for safe following distance and allow 1 second of following distance for

every 10 feet of vehicle length for speeds under 40 mph and add 1 additional second for each 10 mph

for speeds over 40 mph.

4. Response speeds

When responding to a true emergency only, drivers shall operate the vehicle they are driving at as

close to the posted speed limit as possible, but not to exceed ten (10) miles per hour over the posted

speed limit, conditions permitting. Examples of conditions requiring slower response speeds include

but are not limited to;

• slippery road conditions

• inclement weather

• poor visibility

• heavy or congested traffic conditions

• sharp curves

4

5. Intersection Practices

Extreme care should be taken when approaching any intersection as intersections are the locations

responsible for a large percentage of major accidents involving emergency vehicles. Drivers are

required to practice the organizations intersection operating guidelines during all emergency responses.

Uncontrolled intersections

Any intersection that does not offer a control device (stop sign, yield or traffic signal) in the direction

of travel of the emergency vehicle or where a traffic control signal is green upon the approach of the

emergency vehicle all emergency vehicle drivers should do the following:

• Scan the intersection for possible hazards (right turns on red, pedestrians, vehicles traveling fast,

etc.). Observe traffic in all 4 directions (left, right, front, rear)

• Slow down if any potential hazards are detected and cover the brake pedal with the drivers foot.

• Change the siren cadence not less than 200’ from intersection

• Avoid using the opposing lane of traffic if at all possible.

Emergency vehicle drivers should always be prepared to stop. If another vehicle operator fails to yield

the right of way to an emergency vehicle, the emergency vehicle driver can not force the right of way,

nor can you assume the right of way, therefore you do not have the right of way until the other vehicle

yields to you.

Controlled intersections

Any intersection controlled by a stop sign, yield sign, yellow traffic light or a red traffic light requires a

complete stop by the emergency vehicle driver. In addition to bringing the vehicle to a complete stop

these additional steps must be followed as well;

• Do not rely on warning devices to clear traffic

• Scan the intersection for possible hazards (right turns on red, pedestrians, vehicles traveling fast

etc.) as well as driver options

• Begin to slow down well before reaching the intersection and cover the brake pedal with the

drivers foot, continue to scan in 4 directions (left, right, front,, back)

• Change the siren cadence not less than 200; from intersection

• Scan intersection for possible passing options (pass on right, left, wait, etc.) avoid using the

opposing lane of traffic if at all possible

• Come to a complete stop

• Establish eye contact with other vehicle drivers; have partner communicate all is clear; reconfirm

all other vehicles are stopped

• Proceed one lane of traffic at a time treating each lane of traffic as a separate intersection

Legally? No vehicles are allowed to cross the solid white STOP line on RED.

Technically, any emergency vehicles, including ambulance, police, fire, Doctor (green light) and H.M. Coastguard would be allowed to cross at RED, BUT only if it is safe to do so. If they cross and collide with someone THEY would be at fault.

Source(s):

ADI 10 years

ADVANCED DRIVER

so its not an ambulance then?

Exactly my point, this is basically saying that the emergency vehicle should treat the lights as a give way, but if you have an RTC doing it then watch out, this is not saying that the emergency services have a legal right to drive through a red light, it is in fact stating the opposite, that it should stop behind the stop line.

 

no. It descibes exactly what i have been saying. It is legal for a emergency vehicle to cross red lights, but it must treat it as a Give way.

 

That document is an act of law. It states what is legal and what is not legal. Part a desribes the law for all vehicles at a Red light. Part B exempts emergency vehicles from this law.

 

All the usual rights of a Give way would ofcourse apply - which is why they would be responsible in the event of a RTA.

 

There are similar exemptions for Speeding..etc

Edited February 10, 201114 yr by Yowser

That document is an act of law. It states what is legal and what is not legal.

 

It descibes exactly what i have been saying. It IS legal for a emergency vehicle to cross red lights, but it must treat it as a Give way.

 

All the usual rights of a Give way would ofcourse apply - which is why I they would be responsible in the event of a RTA. Thats how Give ways work.

 

Sorry, never going to agree on this......lol:no:

so its not an ambulance then?

 

:lol:

.......lol.......wind up merchant..............:tt2::tt2:

Sorry, never going to agree on this......lol:no:

 

Fair enough. You know your right, and I know Im right. Sorted :tongue_smilie:

Edited February 10, 201114 yr by Yowser

serious guess....did I get it wrong?

serious guess....did I get it wrong?

 

Stop it! I'm going to wet meself :lol:

stop what.....? im just trying to get the right answer as the 24 hour limit is up soon!!!

serious guess....did I get it wrong?

 

Depends who you ask.......lol.....:clap:

I think I def have the right answer.........police car?

Shall we argue about the Royal mail van bit now :rofl: