Overview

This bill aims to protect emergency response drivers (police, ambulance, and fire service) from civil lawsuits and criminal charges when responding to emergencies, provided they acted reasonably and the emergency posed a significant risk of preventable harm.

Description

The Emergency Response Drivers (Protections) Bill grants significant legal protections to emergency service drivers.

Civil Liability:

The bill shields emergency response drivers from civil liability for damages caused while responding to emergencies if they reasonably believed the emergency posed a risk of loss of life, property damage, or criminal activity. The Secretary of State can create regulations to further define these protections.

Criminal Prosecution (Dangerous Driving):

For dangerous driving offences, the bill allows for reduced sentencing if the driver is an emergency responder, was responding to an emergency that presented a significant risk, and had completed specific high-speed driving training.

Criminal Prosecution (Careless Driving):

The bill introduces a complete defense against charges of careless or inconsiderate driving under the same conditions as the reduced sentencing for dangerous driving; emergency response, a significant risk emergency, and completion of high-speed driving training.

Other Provisions:

The bill specifies that these protections apply only to England and Wales and will come into force two months after it is passed. The bill requires parliamentary approval for any regulations created under its terms.

Government Spending

The bill's financial implications are not explicitly stated in the provided text. Any costs would likely relate to the potential need for additional training programs and any subsequent legal challenges. No specific figures are available.

Groups Affected

• Emergency Response Drivers: This bill offers significant legal protection, reducing their liability in emergency situations.
• Members of the Public: This bill could affect members of the public involved in accidents with emergency vehicles. It limits their ability to sue the driver but may also impact insurance payouts if the driver's actions are deemed to meet the requirements of the bill.
• The Courts: This bill will create a new legal framework for handling cases involving emergency response drivers.
• Insurance Companies: This bill potentially alters insurance liability for emergency service vehicles and their drivers.

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