Council Urged to Ease Bus Lane Rules for Emergency Volunteers

Roger, a first responder, got a parking ticket at an emergency. He wants Cardiff to help volunteers like him, as they need to reach emergencies faster. The council says volunteers can use bus lanes and appeal tickets with proof of the emergency.

Roger says appealing takes time. He parked on double yellow lines for a “red call,” which are life-threatening situations. He felt the person was running out of time.

First responders get alerts from the ambulance service and sometimes arrive before the ambulances. They provide crucial care. Amber calls are serious but not immediately fatal, while green calls are not life-threatening.

Roger parked safely, ensuring he didn’t block anyone. He was told he was getting a ticket just as the ambulance arrived. Subsequently, he had to write letters to rectify the situation.

Having been a first responder for nine years, Roger wants the city to value community safety. Volunteers are professional, follow traffic laws, and cannot speed.

Volunteers try to avoid bus lanes, but accidents happen. Fixing those tickets is difficult, and going to red calls is frustrating too. Every minute of delay reduces the chances of recovery by ten percent.

Councilors proposed allowing first responders to use restricted roads, and the council will investigate this. They’ll consider allowing first responders to register on council systems to avoid getting fined.

Roger doesn’t know how much time bus lanes would save. He wants to get to scenes quickly and experience fewer delays.

Living in north Cardiff, Roger believes using the bus lane on Caerphilly Road would assist him. It would make his journeys smoother and help them serve Cardiff better.

Councilors noted that seconds count in emergencies and will ensure changes happen fast. They thanked first responders and the Welsh Ambulance Service. Paul Rudolph, another first responder, agrees.

Paul reiterated that volunteers follow the Highway Code and use their own cars. Using bus lanes would help them reach emergencies faster, potentially saving lives.

Cardiff boasts numerous bus lanes. Easier parking would allow them to park closer to a patient’s home too.

The council stated that emergency vehicles can use bus lanes with lights and sirens, this applies to St. John Ambulance. They advise appealing with evidence. The same rule now applies to all volunteer first responders.