The UK government has approved significant amendments to driving regulations, permitting emergency services drivers to utilize hand-held communication devices while on the road. This change aims to enhance communication capabilities for police, ambulance, and fire service personnel during critical situations.
Under the new rules, drivers of emergency vehicles will be allowed to operate hand-held devices connected to the Airwave Tetra system and the upcoming Emergency Services Network (ESN). This decision follows a thorough consultation conducted by the Department of Transport, which received 22 responses from emergency services workers—21 of which supported the proposed exemptions.
Proponents of the change emphasized the necessity for blue light workers to transmit and receive vital information swiftly in evolving emergency scenarios. While acknowledging potential road safety risks, responders argued that the operational advantages of these exemptions outweighed the associated dangers. The government noted that previous ambiguities regarding the legality of hand-held device use by emergency services drivers were unhelpful and have now been addressed.
However, not all voices were in favor. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) raised concerns regarding the potential risks and distractions posed by hand-held device usage. They contended that police vehicles should be equipped with technology enabling hands-free communication, thus rendering hand-held use unnecessary.
Despite these concerns, the government is moving forward with implementing the new exemption, which will allow emergency services personnel to use their devices in a “press-to-talk” mode while driving. This mode minimizes distraction and enhances safety by allowing quick communication without needing to hold the device.
The changes are encapsulated in the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) Regulations 2024, which clarify that any other use of hand-held devices while driving remains prohibited. The Department of Transport assured that this amendment would not compromise road safety, citing demonstrations of both Airwave Tetra and ESN devices that showed minimal physical manipulation required during operation.
This legislative update reflects a growing recognition of the unique challenges faced by emergency services workers and their need for effective communication tools while on duty. As emergency response times are critical, this change is expected to facilitate quicker decision-making and improve overall public safety.
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