How drivers could be fined £1,000 for letting ambulance and police cars pass

Every driver knows that when they see emergency vehicles with flashing lights on behind they must let them pass.
Emergency vehicles approaching on the motorwayEmergency vehicles approaching on the motorway
Emergency vehicles approaching on the motorway

 Emergency vehicles have right of way when they are flashing their lights meaning drivers must move out of their way. 

But, this does not mean that you will automatically avoid a hefty fine if you break one of the rules of the road while doing so. 

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Drivers who go through a bus lane or go through a red light while letting an emergency vehicle pass can still be penalised. 

Emergency vehicles approaching on the motorwayEmergency vehicles approaching on the motorway
Emergency vehicles approaching on the motorway

Drivers need to move out of the way of emergency vehicles in the correct way if they want to avoid a fine. 

The Highway Code states: '˜You should look and listen for ambulances, fire engines, police, doctors or other emergency vehicles using flashing blue, red or green lights and sirens, or flashing headlights, or traffic officer and incident support vehicles using flashing amber lights.

'˜When one approaches do not panic. Consider the route of such a vehicle and take appropriate action to let it pass, while complying with all traffic signs. If necessary, pull to the side of the road and stop, but try to avoid stopping before the brow of a hill, a bend or narrow section of road.' 

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The code adds that you should not endanger yourself, other road users or pedestrians and avoid mounting the kerb. 

Also, avoid breaking harshly on the approach to a junction or roundabout in case the car behind has not seen the emergency vehicle. 

If you're snapped running a red light to make way for an emergency vehicle then this could land you with a penalty of up to £1,000 and sic penalty points. 

Earlier this year, PC Martin Willis shared footage on Twitter of an emergency vehicle responding to an incident on the motorway.

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In the video, the driver in front of the emergency vehicle can be seen slowing down to a complete stop in the fast lane.

He tweeted that this is 'not what you want to happen' for emergency vehicles. Â