Blocking ER vehicles on streets to invite penalty, action

Motorists obstructing the way of emergency response vehicles like ambulances, PCR vans and fire tenders in the city will be slapped with a fine of Rs 2000 apart from facing legal action.
The extreme right lane on roads having three or more lanes will have to be given away for passage of emergency response vehicles if sirens are sounded by them.
A decision to this effect was taken by the Traffic Police to ensure that emergency services are not affected due to traffic snarls, Special Commissioner Traffic Police Muktesh Chander said adding a notification to enforce the punitive action has already been issued to prosecute the violators.

"A notification was issued regarding free passage to emergency vehicles in the NCT of Delhi and I had written a letter to the Union and state health departments on September 8 to sensitise the drivers/operators of these emergency vehicles about the said notification," he said.
Chander, however said, Traffic Police have not received any single complaint in this regard till today.
"We are now going directly write to all the hospitals about the decision. The errant motorists will be fined Rs 2,000 and they will also face legal action," he added.

Chander also said that the hospitals can lodge complaint against erring motorist with evidence in the form of photo or videos along with the vehicle number so that action can be taken.

According to the circular, the extreme right lane on roads having three or more lanes will be used by the emergency vehicles while they are attending to emergency situations.
These emergency vehicles when using the extreme right hand lane in emergency situation, indicated by a siren and flashing of lights will have the overriding right of way over all motorised traffic.
All other categories of vehicles shall vacate the extreme right lane by moving to the left of the road/street, as per the notification.
In his letter, Chander had said, "It is requested that necessary directions in this respect may be issued to all concerned hospitals/nursing homes/fire/stations etc., in the NCT of Delhi functioning under your administrative control to sensitise all drivers/operators of these emergency vehicles thoroughly.

"It is further requested that if any violation of the provision contained in the notification is noticed by the drivers of these emergency vehicles, the same may be brought to the notice of Delhi Traffic Police for taking necessary legal action against the erring motor vehicles, the letter said.