Speeding Police Car

Scutts v Keyse CA NLJ 1 June p817

A marked police rapid response car with its siren switched on and lights flashing accelerated at speed through a green light and hit the claimant who stepped off the pavement in front of it. Even in an emergency, the driver of a motor vehicle is required to drive reasonably carefully in all the circumstances. However, the driver of an emergency service vehicle is not negligent by virtue of his excessive speed alone and is entitled to expect other road users to note the signs of his approach such as sirens and flashing lights and, where appropriate, act accordingly There was no other evidence of negligence on the part of the driver. The claim was dismissed.