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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think there shouldn’t be consequences for going through a red light - when it’s to let an emergency vehicle through?

34 replies

hayleylauren · 19/03/2026 19:54

Obviously only if it’s safe to do so.

OP posts:
Climbingrosexx · 19/03/2026 22:35

The law is quite clear on this one, going through a red light is an absolute no, and an emergency vehicle should not be sat behind you with sirens going when it's obvious you have nowhere to go

grumpygrape · 19/03/2026 20:51

Thechaseison71 · 19/03/2026 20:43

Then you get people who don't go through and police do them for obstructing an emergency vehicle. Can't win

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Are you sure about that? I thought going through a red light was a strict liability offence.
Do you have any 'evidence' ?

Thechaseison71 · 19/03/2026 20:43

Radiostar0 · 19/03/2026 19:58

This is why you get consequences because unfortunately some people would drive through a red when it isn’t safe to do so to let an emergency vehicle out, it would be too hard to gauge every time if someone believed it was safe to do so or not.

I have seen many idiots speed to get in front of an emergency vehicle and I fear if we allow people to go through reds there will be many issues

Show quote history

Then you get people who don't go through and police do them for obstructing an emergency vehicle. Can't win

MoltenLasagne · 19/03/2026 20:41

MissHollyGolightly · 19/03/2026 20:20

I assumed that if you had to pull into a bus lane for example, that you could contest a fine. But haven't had to test that!

My friend was waved into a bus lane by the police to go round a collision and STILL got fined.

MissHollyGolightly · 19/03/2026 20:20

I assumed that if you had to pull into a bus lane for example, that you could contest a fine. But haven't had to test that!

nomas · 19/03/2026 20:19

I’m what scenario has this happened?

I’ve made way for hundreds of ambulances/
police cars over the years but I’ve never had to run a red light to give them way.

firstofallimadelight · 19/03/2026 20:06

It is a difficult one, I’ve know emergency vehicles to drive quite aggressively which can lead to cars trying to get out of the way and what’s the alternative care refuse to move until the lights change potentially risking someone’s life.

Radiostar0 · 19/03/2026 19:58

IPM · 19/03/2026 19:56

Of course there should.

There are so many muppets on the road, I wouldn't trust their opinion on whether it's 'safe to do so'.

This is why you get consequences because unfortunately some people would drive through a red when it isn’t safe to do so to let an emergency vehicle out, it would be too hard to gauge every time if someone believed it was safe to do so or not.

I have seen many idiots speed to get in front of an emergency vehicle and I fear if we allow people to go through reds there will be many issues

IPM · 19/03/2026 19:56

Of course there should.

There are so many muppets on the road, I wouldn't trust their opinion on whether it's 'safe to do so'.