A TAXI driver collided with an emergency vehicle that was responding to a call, a court heard.

Jeffrey Cole was found guilty of driving without due care and attention after he drove into the path of the South Central Ambulance Service car on Thornhill Park Road, Bitterne on February 18.

The 50 year old cabbie pleaded not guilty at an earlier hearing, but Southampton Magistrates' Court heard that he had been waiting to turn right, across the road, into the petrol station, when the ambulance came from behind with its sirens and emergency lights on.

The court was told that two vehicles behind Cole had seen the ambulance and got out of the way in time, as well as a vehicle driving in the other direction.

Fortunately no one was injured as a result of the collision.

Sgt Andy Gwyer, from the Roads Policing Unit, said: “This collision shows how important it is for motorists to focus all their full attention on the road at all times.

“Other motorists around Cole were aware of the oncoming emergency vehicle with its sirens and lights on and were able to move out of the way safely.

“This collision prevented the paramedics from responding to their emergency call and took a valuable resource off the road.

“I hope that this case reminds motorists just how important it is to take care when emergency vehicles are approaching and not to take unnecessary risks.”

Cole, of Steep Close, Harefield, was given three points on his licence and ordered to pay a £60 fine, £300 in court costs and a £30 victim surcharge.