Responding on blue lights

Conference notes that the current exemptions for emergency service vehicles are unsatisfactory and unworkable.

Emergency service vehicles are exempt from:

• observing speed limits

• observing keep left/right signs

• complying with traffic lights (including pedestrian controlled crossings).

However, there are no exemptions in the provisions of careless or dangerous driving as defined in the Road Traffic Act 1988, with the definition wide enough to encompass driving found in an emergency response drive.

Conference notes that FBU Members may find themselves considering the contravention of signs and regulations where no statutory exemption exists. In each case, decisions on such matters rely on the professional judgement of the Member involved.

Therefore, Conference demands that the Executive Council seek assurances that Members will not be prosecuted for simply applying their permitted exemptions under the Road Traffic Act when responding to incidents and, if necessary, lobby for any necessary legislative change in co-ordination with representatives of other blue light responders.

Conference instructs the Executive Council to report back to Conference 2018.