Ambulance Driver Arrested For Speeding

In a recent incident, an ambulance driver faced court proceedings for speeding while responding to a blue light emergency, a situation he has described as "embarrassing."

Matt Wood, aged 27, was recorded driving at 90mph on the M27 as he rushed to Southampton Airport in January last year to pick up an "unstable" patient arriving from Guernsey.

Despite providing evidence that he was en route to a medical emergency in an unmarked ambulance, the prosecution proceeded, which Wood criticized as "a complete waste of time."

He appeared at Southampton Magistrates' Court after receiving a notice of intended prosecution.

However, the case was eventually dismissed due to the evidence he presented. Reflecting on the ordeal, he remarked, "I couldn't believe it even got taken to court. It's very odd this has happened. I am pleased the case has been dropped but it is a waste of everyone's time. It's embarrassing it has even got this far. I am hoping this won't happen again."

According to Hampshire Constabulary, records indicated that the vehicle used was "not equipped to transport people and was not marked as an ambulance." Despite this, Wood confirmed he used blue lights while driving the unmarked Volvo. He argued that their vehicles remain unmarked as they are kept at their homes and emphasized the unpredictable nature of emergency flights from Guernsey, stating, "We don't know in advance what time they will be arriving... The patient was deemed to be an emergency case."

Wood expressed his disbelief upon receiving the notice, saying, "When the [notice] was served on me, I didn't know whether to laugh or not. It's quite embarrassing, especially as it is our job. Working in this field, my colleagues and I know there is a risk of this happening, not when it is clear-cut."

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) indicated that a reviewing lawyer initially decided to bring the case to trial. However, in light of Wood's evidence presented in court, the lawyer made the decision to offer no evidence and halt the prosecution.

A CPS spokesperson stated, "The CPS have a duty to continually review cases, and in light of Mr. Wood's evidence, the lawyer in court took the decision to offer no evidence and stop the prosecution."

The Johnson Partnership

Nottingham Solicitors

01159 419141