Motorists across the country could be holding up emergency vehicles due to their fear of being penalised for entering restricted lanes, new research has revealed.

The latest AA-Populus poll for November has shown how ten per cent of UK drivers fear fixed penalty notices and other sanctions as a result of entering restricted lanes and therefore even when presented with an emergency vehicle with its siren sounding and lights flashing, they would not pull into these lanes to allow them to get past.

Furthermore, in London this figure rose to 17 per cent of respondents – perhaps unsurprisingly, as fines for entering restricted lanes of traffic in the capital can be more than twice as expensive as those found in other cities across the UK (£130 compared to £60 on average).

Responding to the poll, AA president Edmund King commented: "Drivers think: 'But for the grace of God go we – because, the next time, that emergency vehicle could be for us'. And that is why most AA members and other drivers will risk the chance of a penalty charge to save a life.

"In return, too many bus lane, yellow box junction and moving traffic offence enforcers will seize the opportunity to dish out a penalty charge. Inevitably, some drivers won't take the risk and it only takes one to block and hold up an ambulance or fire engine."

As a result, he argued it is essential action is now taken to highlight this issue to the relevant authorities and ensure that when individuals are doing the right thing by making way for the emergency services they are not unduly penalised.

"The firms and councils operating enforcement cameras say that they take [into account] the presence of an on-call emergency vehicle before issuing a penalty notice but, too often, that's not the case," Mr King concluded.

Drivers who do make way for the emergency services could be opening themselves up to prosecution though if they take on riskier manoeuvres to allow these vehicles to pass and, as a result, Sussex Police has offered some advice to drivers on what to do when faced with an emergency vehicle trying to get by.

When this happens on the open road, it is important not to panic or brake suddenly, as this can represent a risk to both yourself and those around you. Instead, maintain a steady speed and move over as far as it is safe to do so. This should allow the vehicle to pass as easily as possible.

When in stationary traffic, again, pull over as close to the side of the road as you can but do not mount the kerb – as this represents a serious risk to pedestrians.

It is also important to be aware that there may be more than one emergency vehicle waiting to get past and therefore it is essential drivers check for other following traffic before resuming their normal behaviour.

Finally, do not pass through red lights or break the speed limit to make room for emergency services, as these are extremely risky activities that can lead to serious accidents.