Safe Speed Forums

10:30 - 15 November 2005

Firefighters driving to emergencies face being prosecuted if they break a new speeding code.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service will not defend speeding tickets if fire engines are clocked at more than 50 per cent above the speed limit.

Drivers could also be prosecuted if potential speeding offences are not properly logged.

At present, fire service personnel can drive at any speed to an emergency and will be defended if they are driving responsibly.

The new policy is being brought in on December 1 following a spate of accidents involving fire engines in the past year, and consultation by the Health and Safety Executive with fire services.

The new policy says that no fire engine should travel at more than 50 per cent above the given limit, to a maximum of 75mph.

Drivers of service cars will be able to travel at up to 90 mph in emergencies.

The policy urges crews to "drive to arrive".

However, some drivers are concerned they might be prosecuted simply for doing their job in trying to get to an emergency as quickly as possible.

Deputy chief fire officer Ian Scarrott said: "We have not had a formal policy before.

"In theory drivers could travel at any speed under the terms of the 1984 Road Traffic Regulation Act, but we have to manage risk and the policy is being introduced to protect our employees and the members of the public."

He said the service had suffered a number of accidents in the past year, and that similar policies had been introduced in other areas.

Mr Scarrott said the service would consider each incident on its merits, but added: "If the rules are broken then the drivers will be liable."

The new policy states: "Exemptions (from prosecution) will only be given if the vehicle is responding to an emergency as a primary response vehicle, and that all the conditions within this policy have been adhered to and can be proved by the incident log where necessary."

One fire engine driver, who did not wish to be named, said: "The threat of prosecution for doing our job is something which has angered a lot of my colleagues.

"Under the new rules, we could be driving through a country village at 3am to a house fire and if we are clocked on a speed camera at 48 mph then we will face a fine."

The new orders will be discussed tomorrow with representatives of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU).

Leicestershire FBU secretary Neil Mayne said: "There are some issues which we shall be raising at tomorrow's meeting."

Surely the law, at present, does not allow this? It would require primary legislation.