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

Last Updated

25 March 2019

In Plain English

AI-generated

The Emergency Response Drivers (Protections) Bill would shield drivers of emergency vehicles from civil liability and criminal prosecution when they respond to emergencies in defined circumstances. It also creates related provisions about how criminal proceedings and sentencing should be handled in these cases.

Key Points

Provides civil liability protection for emergency vehicle drivers when responding to emergencies in the bill’s defined circumstances.
Provides protection from criminal prosecution for those drivers in those circumstances, subject to the safeguards in the Bill.
Includes related provisions about how criminal proceedings and sentencing should be conducted in these cases.
Applies to drivers of police, fire and rescue, and NHS ambulance services, establishing a clear framework for when protections apply.

Progress

The bill is currently at the 2nd Reading in the House of Commons. If it progresses, it will move to Committee stage for detailed examination.

Who is affected?

Emergency vehicle drivers (police, fire and rescue, ambulance services)Emergency services organisations and their employers (e.g., police authorities, fire and rescue services, NHS ambulance trusts)People involved in emergencies who might be subject to civil claims or criminal proceedings arising from emergency responses

Generated 21 February 2026

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.

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