Police warn lives are being put at risk due to drivers blocking emergency services from getting past.
They say they're "increasingly concerned" by the number of people who fail to give way or pull to the left when emergency vehicles are travelling with their lights and sirens on, especially on Auckland's motorways.
And they've released dashcam video showing drivers taking up to 26 seconds to move out of the way.
Road Policing Manager for Tāmaki Makaurau, Inspector Scott Webb, says while most people know what to do and let emergency vehicles pass, a number of people aren't getting the message.
"We see it every day where people don't give way, take far too long to do so, or stop in the middle lane or the fast lane," he says in a statement on Wednesday.
"Sometimes, drivers aren't checking their mirrors or have their music up too loud so are completely oblivious to the fact we're behind them trying to get through traffic."
Motorists should be checking their rear view mirrors every 15 seconds, he says.
"When it comes to responding to emergencies, every second counts, lives are often on the line, so we're urging people play their part and pull over for our vehicles."
Not making way for an emergency vehicle can result in a $150 fine, as well as possibly putting someone's life at risk.
"When we are operating an ambulance under lights and sirens, it's important that we respond as quickly and safely as possible, because it's time critical for the patient," says St John Assistant Director of Operations - Field Operations Tony Devanney.
"Those extra seconds can make all the difference so make sure you check your mirrors and pull over safely to let us pass."
What you should do to help:
- Move as far left as you can as fast as possible
- Check your mirrors every 15 seconds
- Listen to music at a volume where you can still hear sirens
- If you can hear sirens but can't tell where they're coming from, pull over to the left in a safe place
- If it's not safe to stop, slow down and keep as far left as you can
