Petition · Department for Transport
Introduce a “Move Over” Law to assist emergency services.
Rejected
16 signatures
What the petition asks
We urge the Government to introduce a “Move Over” law requiring road users to change lanes or slow down when approaching emergency vehicles, recovery vehicles, or National Highways officers stopped on the side of the road with flashing lights. Similar to what you see in the USA.
Emergency Services, National Highways officers and others who work on fast roads face a higher risk of being struck by a vehicle when dealing with incidents on Motorways and A roads etc. Therefore introducing a law where road users must move over will create a better safety barrier and to reduce the risk of a fatality. Implementing this law will raise awareness, increase safety and provide a legal protection to those who work on our roads.
Why it was rejected
It was not clear what the petition asked the UK Government or Parliament to do.
Petitions need to call on the Government or Parliament to take a specific action.
We're not sure exactly what you'd like the Government or Parliament to do.
Rule 281 of the Highway Code already states:
"If you see emergency or incident support vehicles displaying flashing lights in the distance, be aware there may be an incident ahead (see Rule 219). You should slow down and be prepared to move safely into another lane or stop.
The emergency services, traffic officers and recovery workers may be required to work in the carriageway; for example, dealing with debris, collisions or conducting rolling roadblocks. You MUST follow any directions given by police or traffic officers as to whether you can safely pass the incident or obstruction."
Rule 282 states:
"When passing the scene of an incident, remain alert for hazards (such as debris or slow-moving vehicles) and do not slow down unnecessarily (for example, if an incident is on the other side of a dual carriageway). You should focus on the road ahead when passing an incident because a lack of attention may cause a further incident, collision or congestion"
The Highway Code can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code
You could start a new petition explaining clearly what you would like the Government or Parliament to do, such as changing something specific about the Highway Code
We're not sure exactly what you'd like the Government or Parliament to do.
Rule 281 of the Highway Code already states:
"If you see emergency or incident support vehicles displaying flashing lights in the distance, be aware there may be an incident ahead (see Rule 219). You should slow down and be prepared to move safely into another lane or stop.
The emergency services, traffic officers and recovery workers may be required to work in the carriageway; for example, dealing with debris, collisions or conducting rolling roadblocks. You MUST follow any directions given by police or traffic officers as to whether you can safely pass the incident or obstruction."
Rule 282 states:
"When passing the scene of an incident, remain alert for hazards (such as debris or slow-moving vehicles) and do not slow down unnecessarily (for example, if an incident is on the other side of a dual carriageway). You should focus on the road ahead when passing an incident because a lack of attention may cause a further incident, collision or congestion"
The Highway Code can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code
You could start a new petition explaining clearly what you would like the Government or Parliament to do, such as changing something specific about the Highway Code
Timeline
| 15 Feb 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 1 Apr 2025 | Rejected by the Petitions Committee |
Key facts
Signatures
16
Status
Rejected
Department
Department for Transport
Rejected
1 Apr 2025
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 13 Aug 2026.