You’re in a 30 zone…

[Skunkworks]

Note: I didn't put this into the Motoring section as I'd like responses from those not necessarily "into" driving.

The road ahead of you is clear, but oncoming traffic is at a standstill. There’s a cop behind with lights and sirens wanting to pass you. The closest point you can pull over and allow enough room for the cop to pass is about 400m ahead.

What speed would *you* do along that 400m?

 

[Nikumba]

30 mph, as I understand it you are not legally required to break the law to allow emergency vehicle past, I could be wrong.

But I would do 30mph and wait till the safe place to pull over

 

[Raymond Lin]

Stick to the speed limit. The Highway Code doesn't say you should break it to let a cop pass. You pull to the side when you can.

 

[Burnsy2023]

I would carry on doing 30 mph as you're supposed to.

 

[itchy]

If the cops are on emergency ASAP, they don't care what speed you do providing you give them clear access as soon as possible.

 

[Housey]

I had this happen once, I was my M3 back in 2003 in Heathtown, a rough area outside Wolverhampton town centre. 2 lanes into 1, outside lane, not gaps high kerbs, Police car blues and twos behind. I dropped a couple of cogs and floored it hard, left the cop car for dead and pulled in about 500 yards down to a thumbs up out the window from the copper.

Go with what you feel is the right thing to do, the chances of a copper taking issue with you getting out the way in such circumstances are million to one (but still.....they came. Sorry couldn't resist) I suspect.

 

[PermaBanned]

It's only 400m. At 30mph that will take you 29.825829576 seconds. You'll probably lose more time by having to accelerate and then slow down again.

 

[LiE]

Drop a cog a floor it into the sunset. /GD Reply


Don't speed. /Motors Reply

 

[PMKeates]

I would probably do as Housey did and just speed up a bit to get out of the way.

 

[itchy]

I would carry on doing 30 mph as you're supposed to.

Is the police car doing 30 mph? No! So you need to speed up to let the emergency service access ahead, you don't hear of people getting nicked for driving in to central reservation for emergency services.

You just use your loaf and help the best you can, after all it is an emergency.

 

[4T5]

Dependant on conditions I'd speed up a bit to let the Cop car pass quicker.

 

[DirtyJester]

Throw the money/drugs/kid out the window and floor it....

 

[Burnsy2023]

Is the police car doing 30 mph? No! So you need to speed up to let the emergency service access ahead, you don't hear of people getting nicked for driving in to central reservation for emergency services.

You just use your loaf and help the best you can, after all it is an emergency.

The best sort of driver for a blue light driver to encounter is a predictable one. The difference in speed is unlikely to make much if any difference to the arrival time and if there's a mobile camera van or stationary camera then you've got 3 points and £100 fine for your troubles.

 

[loltim]

I would carry on doing 30 mph as you're supposed to.

 

[Uther]

And if you speed up in a 30 zone and (million to one I know) a kid runs out in front of you...

 

[Housey]

And if you speed up in a 30 zone and (million to one I know) a kid runs out in front of you...

You don't lose your observational skills when you go over 30mph. It's not a case of "oh ****, a blue light behind me, MUST GET OUT THE WAY NOWWWWWW" it's a case of size it up, what makes sense, do that.

 

[helpimcrap]

Stick to the law - the onus is on the overtaking vehicle. You move over when safe and that's that. They don't want to be dealing with more victims.

 

[Glaucus]

by the law, a safe speed not exceeding the speed limit.

in reality a safe speed.

 

[Vulcan]

Is the police car doing 30 mph? No! So you need to speed up to let the emergency service access ahead, you don't hear of people getting nicked for driving in to central reservation for emergency services.

But it's still an offence to speed.

Slightly different situation but: http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/1433...e_allowing_emergency_vehicle_to_pass/?ref=trn

It was automatic, but the council still said it was valid after review.

The admin manager thought it would be a straightforward appeal, but to her dismay, Brighton and Hove City Council dismissed her story saying the fine stood.

Her case was eventually reviewed and upheld by the Traffic Penalty Tribunal for England and Wales but Miss Llewelyn said others may not have challenged it twice and be stuck with the fine.

 

[LiE]

You don't lose your observational skills when you go over 30mph. It's not a case of "oh ****, a blue light behind me, MUST GET OUT THE WAY NOWWWWWW" it's a case of size it up, what makes sense, do that.

Actually that seems to be exactly how most motorist behaviour. Lol.