Most people out on the roads in the UK, probably cannot tell the difference between a private emergency ambulance, and an NHS one. In fact, some people reading this article, are probably not even aware that private ambulances can and do attend blue light calls.
And let’s face it, with the way things are going at the moment, it won’t be long until the Government introduce private Police ‘forces’ which can also attend blue light calls. But that’s a different story altogether, and so we will save that one for a later date.
Anyhow, I digress…
Judging by a post published by Avon and Somerset Constabulary on their Facebook page, it would seem that some of our private Oppos (‘Oppo’ is a term we use for anyone in the emergency services) have been a bit naughty when it comes to the use of the blue lights which are fitted to their vehicles:
Avon and Somerset Constabulary said:
“We’re warning private ambulance drivers they’ll be prosecuted if they use sirens and flashing blue lights illegally.
Recently the owner of a privately owned medical event company was fined £300 with additional costs of £115 and given 7 points on their driving licence this week.
A private rapid response vehicle was spotted driving through Minehead on July 22 last year while using its emergency lights and sirens despite not being authorised to do so and whilst not involved in a medical emergency.
And it follows another case where a private ambulance provider was also prosecuted for road traffic offences by using a car marked up as an ambulance with emergency lighting fitted, allowing him to avoid paying tolls on the second Severn Bridge.”
Followers via Avon and Somerset Constabulary’ Facebook page gave an indication as to how few people really understand exactly how the Private Ambulance service works.
It is unclear how the offending private ambulance was reported to the Police, but obviously it shows that if you DO decide to use the blues-and-twos in order to look a bit ‘dapper’ in front of the public, or because you want to get home in time for Eastenders, then you might end up getting stuck-on.
Superintendent Andy Williams, Head of Road Safety, said: “Unauthorised drivers using sirens and blue lights on public roads can pose a danger to the public.
“Not only that but others have been known to use them for financial gain…”
Anyone who has ever driven on blue lights, myself included, will tell you how much of a buzz you get from driving whilst ‘on-the-job’.
But, when you turn on those magic “get out of the way bitch” sirens, unless you are actually on a call, then when it all goes tits-up, you are going to be on your own, as (from past experience) the Courts get really pi**ed off when blue-light drivers get put before them…
Written by ‘Cop(ex)’. An Admin of Emergency Services Humour on Facebook, and a regular contributor of our popular fortnightly satirical Digital Magazine, ‘S__ts & Giggles’.
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