Emergency Response Drivers (Protections) Bill

A Bill to provide protection for drivers of emergency vehicles responding to emergencies from civil liability and criminal prosecution in specified circumstances; to make related provision about criminal proceedings and sentencing; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Parliament last updated

25 March 2019

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

This Bill would give legal protection to drivers of emergency vehicles when they respond to emergencies in defined circumstances. It would shield them from civil liability and from criminal prosecution in those circumstances, and it includes related provisions about how criminal proceedings and sentencing should work. The aim is to help emergency responders perform urgent duties while maintaining accountability.

Key Points

Provides civil liability protection for emergency vehicle drivers when responding to emergencies under defined circumstances.
Provides protection from criminal prosecution in those circumstances.
Includes related provisions about criminal proceedings and sentencing arising from such incidents.
Applies to drivers of emergency vehicles (police, fire and rescue, and ambulances) and the organisations that employ them.
Seeks to balance urgent response needs with appropriate accountability.

Progress

The bill is currently at the second reading stage in the House of Commons; it has had its first reading in 2017 and is progressing through Parliament.

Who is affected?

Emergency vehicle drivers (police, ambulance, and fire and rescue service drivers) when responding to emergenciesEmergency services organisations and their staff (e.g., police forces, NHS ambulance trusts, fire and rescue services)Patients and the public who rely on emergency responses (indirectly affected by driver protections)

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

19 Dec 2017

2nd readingCommons

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Emergency Response Drivers (Protections)

1 Jan 1970

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.

Documents (1)

Bill 145 2017-19, as introduced

BillCommons

13 Mar 2018

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.