Exemptions while engaged on an emergency response

Question 1

Name the 7 Exemptions while on emergency response

Answer 1

• Motorway regulations
• Entering a pedestrian precinct
• Treating a traffic light as a “give way”, inculding light controlled crossings and temporary lights.
• Stop within a yellow box junction
• Use of audible warning instruments at night on a restricted road between 11.30 07.00
• Exceeding statutory Speed limits
• Travelling on the incorrect side of a “Keep left/Right” sign

Question 2

Travelling on the incorrect side of a “Keep left/Right” sign (6)

( Source - Emergency Ambulance Response Drivers Handbook 3rd Edn)
DTAG

Answer 2

• These signs are normally accompanied by bollards and central refuges
• Be aware pedestrians using these areas.
• ensure opposing vehicles have responded before passing on the incorrect side of the signs.
• Speed should be reduced.
• Pedestrians may be looking the wrong way for your direction of travel.
• Be aware of the danger of returning to the correct road positioning - use of mirrors and signals is essential.

Regulation 15(2) Traffic signs regulations and general directions 2002

Question 3

Exceeding statutory Speed limits (7)

( Source - Emergency Ambulance Response Drivers Handbook 3rd Edn)
DTAG

Answer 3

• Danger of “red mist” effecting the driver.
• Speed should be regulated to available space and presence of hazards.
• You must be able to stop on your own side of the road within the distance that can be seen to be clear.
• You must comply with the organisations policy in relation to exceeding speed limits.
• speed of approach must give other road users time to react.
• Speed must be appropriate to the prevailing road and weather conditions.
• You must be aware of your own and the vehicles limitations.

Section 87(1)(1) Road traffic regulations Act 1984

Question 4

Treating a traffic light as a Give way, inc light controlled crossing and temporary lights (11)

( Source - Emergency Ambulance Response Drivers Handbook 3rd Edn)
DTAG

Answer 4

• Your actions must not cause other road users to pass through a red traffic signal
• The speed of approach must provide other road users with the time to see hear and react to the responding vehicle
• Are all other road users aware of the presence of the emergency vehicle
• If there is no path for the response vehicle to pass through the red light, you must stop short of the junction and consider turning off the audible and visual warning equipment to prevent any vehicle in front from entering the junction (effective non use)
• You should not go beyond the stop line in a manner, or at a time, likely to endanger anyone.
• You should not cause the driver of any vehicle proceeding in accordance with the indications of lights signals to change its speed or course in order to avoid an accident.
• Consider that other emergency vehicles may be entering the junction on a green traffic signal.
• At pedestrian controlled lights always give precedence to any pedestrians showing an intention to cross.
• Use early vehicle positioning to indicate your intended route.
• Use all warning equipment.
• Keep scanning left and right as you cross through the junction.

Regulations 36(b) traffic, signs regulations and general directions 2002
Regulations 12 & 13 Zebra, pelican and puffin regulations and general directions 1997

Question 5

Use of audible warning instruments at night on a restricted road between 11.30 07.00 (4)

( Source - Emergency Ambulance Response Drivers Handbook 3rd Edn)
DTAG

Answer 5

• Consider use of other audible devices.
• Use must be relative to the presence of to other road users.
• Where audible warning equipment is not being used, reduce speed near hazards.
• Non use of audible warning equipment is justifiable.

Regulation 99(1)(5) and 37(5) road vehicle (construction and use) regulations 1986

Question 6

Entering a pedestrian precinct (7)

( Source - Emergency Ambulance Response Drivers Handbook 3rd Edn)
DTAG

Answer 6

• Extreme caution and slow speed is required due to proximity of pedestrians
• You must conform to recognised traffic flows.
• Give pedestrians precedence.
• Be aware of delivery vehicles and their drivers
• remember vehicle security is easily compromised in busy areas.
• You should always use a banks man during reversing manoeuvre, due to the proximity of pedestrians.
• Sirens may be unsuitable due to close proximity of pedestrians.

Local by-laws

Question 7

Motorway regulations (6,6)

( Source - Emergency Ambulance Response Drivers Handbook 3rd Edn)
DTAG

Answer 7

These exemptions can be claimed in order to avoid or prevent an accident or to obtain or give help required at an accident scene

• Direction of driving
• Drive on a carriageway only
• Restriction of stopping
• Restriction on reversing
• Restriction of use of the hard shoulder
• Restriction on use of the central reservation or verge.

There are several ways in which motorway driving differs to that of other roads.

• Be aware of higher speeds involved
• Sirens are unlikely to be as effective
• There are fast road policies to be complied with
• use of PPE is essential
• Be aware of higher vulnerability, especially when stationary
• Understand how smart motorways work

Section 16(1)(d) Motorway traffic (England and Wales) regulations 1982

Question 8

Stop within a yellow box junction

Answer 8

Stopping on a yellow box junction may prevent other vehicles from clearing the junction

Schedule 19 part 2