HC Deb 11 December 2003 vol 415 cc545-6W
David Davis

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what privileges accrue from having a vehicle fitted with an emergency blue light and siren; and what regulations govern which vehicles may be fitted with such equipment. [143241]

Dr. Howells

The fitting and use of blue lights on emergency vehicles are controlled by Regulations 16 and 27 of The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989, and sirens by Regulations 37 and 99 of The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986.

The authority to fit and use blue lights and sirens does not of itself provide any special privileges for drivers.

Privileges often associated with their use, such as exemption from speed limits are contained in Section 87 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, and exemption from certain signals and traffic signs are contained in The Zebra, Pelican and Puffin Pedestrian Crossings Regulations 1997 and The Traffic Signs Regulations 2002.