Overview

The Emergency Response Drivers (Protections) Bill aims to protect emergency service drivers from civil lawsuits and criminal charges when responding to emergencies, provided certain conditions are met. This includes reduced sentencing for dangerous driving and a defense against charges of careless or inconsiderate driving.

Description

Civil Liability

The bill grants immunity from civil liability to emergency response drivers if they were responding to an emergency and reasonably believed the emergency presented a definite risk of preventable loss of life, property damage, or criminal conduct.

Criminal Prosecution: Dangerous Driving

For offences relating to dangerous driving, the bill allows for reduced sentencing if the driver is an emergency responder acting in the course of their duties responding to an emergency believed to pose a definite risk of preventable loss of life, property damage, or criminal conduct, and has completed approved high-speed driving training.

Criminal Prosecution: Careless/Inconsiderate Driving

For offences relating to careless or inconsiderate driving, the bill provides a complete defense if the driver is an emergency responder meeting the same conditions as above regarding the emergency and training.

Definitions and Application

The bill defines "emergency response driver" as drivers of fire, ambulance, or police vehicles responding to an emergency as defined in the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The bill applies to England and Wales and will come into force two months after being passed.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to significantly increase or decrease government spending. The potential cost of any legal challenges resulting from the changed liability framework would need to be considered, but precise figures are unavailable in the text of the bill.

Groups Affected

Emergency service drivers (fire, ambulance, police): Potentially positive impact, offering greater legal protection.

Members of the public who may be involved in accidents with emergency vehicles: Potentially negative impact, as their ability to seek compensation or successful prosecution may be limited in defined circumstances.

The Judiciary: This bill may affect how certain cases are dealt with, potentially altering legal precedent and requiring further training or interpretation.

Insurance Companies: The impact on insurance premiums for emergency services is unknown but could potentially be affected by the altered liability landscape.

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