I have only once jumped a red when the driver of the police care directed me to, no emergency vehicle would expect you to break the law to let them past. Ambulances actually have got a blue light that is on constantly on the rear when they are on a call so it shows when they trigger a traffic camera. Before that some drivers were getting points and fines as the timing of the lights meant none of the blues were showing.
Thing is, it used to be perfectly acceptable (And yes, expected) for drivers to make way for emergency vehicles, even if it meant crossing the line.
It is only since we got Robocop enforcing the rules that this has become a problem
None of this was an issue when we had real people doing the job :/
As an example from the past;
Back in the 80's during my Jag V12 era, (Fun but Brutal. The kickdown 1>2 gear change was like a rocket stage separation! Not refined at all!
)
There I was cruising just shy of 90 L3 on the M25 (Normal at that time) when all of a sudden, there it was, Police Jag, right up my arse, blues and twos.
Obviously not for me (Really, they would not have gone nuts for 85 or so back them) L2 was choker at around 65, I could see gap 2-300 yard ahead.
Anyway, rather than brake and hope to find a gap (And thus delaying them). I just hoofed it with Mr Police-car in close pursuit. Once I got to the large gap I pulled over and as the Police car flew by the passenger gave me a little wave.
At this point we were probabally both touching 120.
This would not happen today!