People urged to respect emergency services after Mercedes driver gets stuck overtaking fire engines fighting fire

An impatient Mercedes driver got stuck after trying to overtake a fire engine Credit: Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service

Firefighters have asked people to 'drive reasonably' after a Mercedes got stuck between two fire engines at the scene of a fire.

The fire engines were called to a fire on Covert Lane in Scraptoft, Leicestershire.

While firefighters were dealing with the blaze, and helping someone with smoke inhalation, a silver Mercedes came down the single track road.

The car managed to squeeze past one engine but got stuck behind the second and an ambulance.

The people in the car apparently 'made it known' that they were frustrated that the emergency vehicles were blocking the road.

Fire fighters and an ambulance had to help someone with smoke inhalation Credit: Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service


What are the rules around emergency service vehicles?

The Highway Code says:

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 Highways Agency 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.

Do not endanger yourself, other road users or pedestrians and avoid mounting the kerb.

Do not brake harshly on approach to a junction or roundabout, as a following vehicle may not have the same view as you.