§ Mr. McMahonasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will seek to legislate to protect fire engine drivers attending fires who pass through traffic lights at red from subsequent civil or criminal proceedings.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe Traffic Signs Regulations already provide, and have provided since 1975, that the drivers of vehicles being used for fire brigade, ambulance and police purposes may pass through traffic lights at red, provided they can do so without endangering other road users. We do not consider that further legislation would be justified. The onus of avoiding an accident must rest on the driver and if an accident does occur it would be for the police, and in the event of prosecution, the court, to decide whether the driver has taken the necessary precautions.