20/03/2002
In the United Kingdom, the sight and sound of an emergency vehicle racing to an incident are instantly recognisable. This urgency is conveyed through specialised equipment, colloquially known as "blues and twos". This term, deeply ingrained in British culture, refers to the iconic blue flashing lights and the distinctive dual-tone siren that have long been synonymous with police cars, fire engines, and ambulances. While the "twos" might now encompass a wider array of siren tones, the fundamental purpose remains the same: to signal an urgent journey and to navigate public roads with necessary authority.
The 'Blues and Twos' Phenomenon
The phrase "blues and twos" has become so ubiquitous that it even lent its name to a popular television documentary series from 1993-1998, which offered a behind-the-scenes look at Britain's emergency services. A call-out that necessitates the use of these audible and visual warnings is often referred to as a "blue light run." This signifies a critical response, where every second counts, and the vehicle must be afforded priority on the road.
Legal Framework and Regulations
The deployment and specification of emergency vehicle equipment in Great Britain are strictly governed by law. The primary legislation includes:
- The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989: This crucial piece of legislation dictates the use of lights on vehicles. Specifically, Regulation 16 of these regulations states that only authorised emergency vehicles (or those used for special forces purposes) are permitted to be fitted with "blue warning beacons or special warning lamps." Crucially, this prohibition extends to any device that *resembles* these warning lights, regardless of whether they are functional. This ensures that the public can clearly distinguish genuine emergency vehicles from any imitations.
- The Road Vehicles Construction and Use Regulations 1986: These regulations cover the auditory signals used by vehicles. Regulation 37(4) of this act prohibits the use of sirens, bells, gongs, or two-tone horns on any vehicle, unless it meets specific exemptions. These exemptions are detailed in paragraph 5 (for emergency vehicles), paragraph 6 (for vehicles carrying goods for sale), and paragraph 7 (for car alarms or summoning help on a bus).
It's important to note that both of these foundational pieces of legislation have undergone numerous amendments over the years, reflecting advancements in technology and evolving operational needs of the emergency services.
Types of Emergency Vehicle Equipment
Emergency vehicle equipment can be broadly categorised into two main types: visual warning devices and audible warning devices.
Visual Warning Devices (Blue Lights)
The most prominent visual warning is the use of blue lights. Historically, these were often rotating beacons, but modern emergency vehicles predominantly use high-intensity LED light bars. These light bars are designed to provide 360-degree visibility and can incorporate various flashing patterns to maximise attention. The effectiveness of these lights is paramount, ensuring that other road users are alerted to the approaching emergency vehicle even in adverse weather conditions or low light.
Audible Warning Devices (Sirens)
The siren is the auditory counterpart to the blue lights. While the term "twos" historically referred to a specific two-tone siren sound, modern sirens are far more sophisticated. They can produce a range of distinct tones, each designed for a specific purpose:
| Siren Tone | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Wail | A slow, rising and falling tone. | General alert, used for sustained periods. |
| Yelp | A faster, more urgent rising and falling tone. | Used for increased urgency or to get attention quickly. |
| Phaser | A pulsating, rhythmic sound. | Often used in conjunction with other tones or for specific scenarios. |
| Hi-Lo | A distinctive two-tone sound, often associated with traditional sirens. | Traditional sound, still effective for signalling presence and urgency. |
The choice of siren tone depends on the specific situation, the speed of the vehicle, and the environment. Drivers are trained to select the most appropriate sound to effectively communicate the urgency of their mission while minimising unnecessary disruption.
Response Driving Training
Operating an emergency vehicle at speed, with lights and sirens activated, requires a high level of skill and specific training. Most emergency services mandate that their drivers undergo specialised training in "response driving." This training covers advanced driving techniques, hazard perception, and the safe management of the vehicle under emergency conditions. While policies exist to potentially require a national standard for response driving to utilise speed limit exemptions, this has not yet been fully implemented across all services.
Can Emergency Service Vehicles Use a Siren?
Yes, emergency service vehicles are expressly permitted to use a siren. The legal basis for this is to alert other road users to the critical nature of the journey. The siren serves two primary functions: firstly, to indicate the urgency of the purpose for which the vehicle is being used, and secondly, to warn other road users of the vehicle's presence, thereby enabling them to take appropriate action, such as pulling over to allow the emergency vehicle to pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is "blues and twos"?
"Blues and twos" is a colloquial term in the UK referring to the blue flashing lights and the two-tone siren used by emergency service vehicles to signal urgent journeys.
Q2: Which regulations govern emergency vehicle equipment in the UK?
The primary regulations are The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 (for lights) and The Road Vehicles Construction and Use Regulations 1986 (for audible warnings), both of which have been amended over time.
Q3: Can any vehicle have blue lights?
No, Regulation 16 of the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 strictly prohibits any vehicle other than an authorised emergency vehicle (or special forces vehicle) from being fitted with blue warning lights or devices that resemble them.
Q4: What is the purpose of different siren tones?
Different siren tones like Wail, Yelp, Phaser, and Hi-Lo are used to convey varying degrees of urgency and to alert other road users effectively in different situations.
Q5: Is there a national standard for emergency vehicle driving?
While provisions exist for a national standard for response driving, particularly concerning speed limit exemptions, it has not yet been fully implemented. Currently, individual services have their own training standards.
Understanding the equipment and regulations surrounding UK emergency vehicles highlights the critical importance of these services and the legal framework that ensures their safe and effective operation. The "blues and twos" are more than just lights and sounds; they are vital tools that help save lives and protect communities.
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