Speeding emergency services?

[off_again]

Just a check on the legal situation - for curiosity rather than anything else!

I live just around the corner from a Fire Station and they probably get one call every other day. Not all Firemen live next door so there are a couple who drive down my (while there are road works) or neighbouring roads to get to the station...... at a fair old lick of speed!

Obviously they are on a "shout" and low-and-behold, 3 minutes later a Fire Engine goes shooting down the road.

But, can these people be prosecuted for speeding? Personally, the risk of them not getting to a fire in time to save a life outweighs the risk of hitting someone, but wondering what the legal situation is. Their cars dont have blue lights (commanding officers does though) and not in an official Fire Service vehicle....

What do you think?

[off_again]

IaHa said:

Section 87 RTRA 1984 says No statutory provision imposing a speed limit on motor vehicles shall apply to any vehicle on an occasion when it is being used for fire and rescue authority, ambulance or police purposes, if the observance of that provision would be likely to hinder the use of the vehicle for the purpose for which it is being used on that occasion. This would provide your defence, no defence available against due care though.

Interesting - I dont mind of course, but just wondering what the legal situation was. I am aware that any emergency services vehicle on a "shout" can and does often exceed the prevailing speed limit, obtaining relative immunity from prosecution for speeding (but not carelessness as mentioned!).

So, in the pursuit of their duty (an emergency situation, regardless of the service involved I suppose) can use a non-emergency services vehicle and obtain protection under the relative cause in the RTA? This is good - because I would hate to let officious rules get in the way of someone trying to do their job...

[off_again]

ashes said:

Back to the point, any halfway decent society would turn a blind eye to this sort of behaviour - it might be you that needs help next time!

That was not what I was suggesting at all I am afraid. I was merely wondering (in a kinda odd, strange and bizzare way) what the legal situation is - not looking to complain or accuse anyone. Just piqued my interest and I was intrigued to find out what the law was.....

Thats all...

[off_again]

Dwight VanDriver said:

PC on way to Court in his own car breaks down. Attention given at roadside as a result he is late for Court so puts his foot down. Exempt?

The fact that you pose the question indicates that the poor PC wouldnt be exempt. Why though? I mean, there are plenty of sharp lawyers who would use this to stop a trial and hence get the person off....

Mind you - in my local example above, when I say that the firemen drive to the station, well lets put it this way - they could probably run and get there at exactly the same time that as if they had driven...!!! So its pretty pointless at the end of the day.

Strangely though - it seems that WILTS fire service see to specialise in Vauxhall Signum V6TDi's for their officers. Speedy little things those you know!

[off_again]

Flat in Fifth said:

Law? Ass? Shurely shome mishtake.

Yeah daft intit! DVD merely provides the information and upholds the law - he doesnt set it....

Mind you, if it were up to the likes of DVD and the other BiB here, we might not be in such a pickle with our criminal justice system in the first place!