A news article online at the Dominion Post on May 30, 2015 says Wellington firefighters are stopping at red lights for fear of being prosecuted after an engine versus car accident.

This is absolutely ridiculous. They train extremely hard, do long hours and a lot of them are unpaid volunteers who do this job as well as other jobs, raising families, they see some extremely unpleasant situations - but all in a day's work - and the public take them for granted.

You don't join an emergency service and straight away you're a professional. Drive fast, grab the hose and put the fire out. Drive fast, apply a band aid, there there! It takes years of training and study.

When we dial 111 we expect them to arrive in double quick time. How can they if they have to stop for every red light on route because some morons think ‘I have a green light so I have right of way'? Yes, theoretically you do, but it is common decency to move to the side of the road when an emergency vehicle, with lights and sirens approaches. They could be en route to your house or family.

Unfortunately, it is the me, me-self and I culture we have in our society today. I'll do exactly as I please and to hell with the rest of you. To these people I say pull your head out your buttsky and take a long hard look at the ‘real world.' It does not revolve around you alone.

S Gussey, Omokoroa.