Understanding police pursuits

A police pursuit happens when a driver fails to stop when requested by police – and officers then follow in an effort to bring an incident to a safe conclusion. It may involve marked or unmarked police vehicles with lights and sirens, but it’s important to remember that not every vehicle using emergency equipment is part of a pursuit.

Police officers decide how to respond and continually assess the risks, which can change rapidly with speed, traffic, weather, road layout and the behaviour of the driver being followed. As road users, we can help most by remaining calm, driving predictably and giving emergency vehicles room. We should not follow, film, speculate at the roadside or try to get involved.

If you encounter a pursuit, keep your attention on the road, make no sudden manoeuvres, and pull over only where it is safe and lawful to do so.

If you witness a collision or immediate danger, call 999 when it is safe to use a phone. If you have relevant dashcam footage, preserve it and provide it to a police officer if requested.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is a police pursuit?

A police pursuit begins when a driver fails to stop and police officers follow in an attempt to manage the situation and bring it to a safe conclusion. It is not simply any police car travelling quickly with lights and sirens. Pursuits can arise for many reasons, and the public may not know why officers are involved. Avoid assumptions about the people, vehicles or circumstances. Your focus is on keeping yourself safe and letting trained officers manage the incident.

2. Are all police vehicles using blue lights in pursuit?

No. Blue lights and sirens can be used by emergency services responding to many urgent situations, including collisions, medical emergencies, crimes in progress and calls for assistance. A fast-moving police vehicle may therefore not be involved in a pursuit at all.

Do not attempt to identify or interpret the incident from the roadside. Instead, respond safely to the emergency vehicle, make room where appropriate, and remain alert for further vehicles approaching behind it.

3. What should I do if I see a police car using blue lights?

Stay calm, concentrate on your driving and avoid sudden braking, swerving or changing lanes. Check your mirrors and signal before moving aside, but only do so if there is a safe and legal place. Do not stop in a live traffic lane, mount a pavement, drive through a

red light or make an unsafe manoeuvre to clear a path. Emergency drivers need other road users to behave predictably. Give them room, then continue your journey carefully.

4. Should I pull over immediately?

Not necessarily. You should make space when it is safe and practical, but never create a new risk in doing so. On a motorway or dual carriageway, maintain your lane and speed until you can move safely; do not brake sharply or stop. In town, avoid blocking junctions and pedestrian crossings. If traffic is stationary, create an access route where it can be done safely. Calm, predictable actions are more useful than rushed ones.

5. Should I follow or record a pursuit?

No. Do not follow police vehicles or the pursued vehicle, and do not use a hand-held phone to film or photograph while driving. Following can put you in danger, interfere with police activity and expose other road users to unnecessary risk. If you are a passenger, avoid distracting the driver by filming or posting online. If your dashcam records relevant footage, keep the original recording safely; police may ask for it as part of an investigation.

6. What if a pursuit comes towards me?

Keep your vehicle under control, slow progressively if necessary and maximise your distance from the situation. Keep left where appropriate, avoid overtaking and do not make abrupt turns or U-turns. Look well ahead and be prepared for other road users to react unpredictably. Do not attempt to block a road or try to stop a pursuing vehicle. Once safely clear, continue normally. Call 999 only if there is an immediate danger or you witness a collision.

7. What should I do after a collision?

Do not put yourself in danger by stopping in an unsafe location or entering a live carriageway. If safe, stop well clear, use hazard warning lights and call 999. Give the exact location, number of vehicles involved, whether anyone appears injured – and and any immediate hazards such as fire, debris or blocked lanes. Do not move casualties unless there is an immediate danger. Follow the call handler’s instructions and preserve any dashcam footage or notes.

8. Why might police stop following a vehicle?

Police are not obliged to continue a pursuit at all costs. They continually weigh the need to stop a driver against risks to other road users and officers. Conditions such as traffic density, road type, weather, speed and the driver’s actions can alter that assessment quickly. Officers may change tactics, use other resources or stop following directly. These decisions are made by trained personnel under professional guidance and can be reviewed after the event.

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