A Halstead paramedic has taken to the airwaves to urge motorists to respect blue lights.

Dean Jay, 44, featured on BBC Radio Five live on June 3 with commentary from his journeys in a rapid response car on May 30.

Father-of-two Mr Jay, who has been a paramedic for 16 years, told the Halstead Gazette some drivers had “tunnel vision” and were so focussed on their own journeys, they failed to slow down or pull over for his ambulance.

He said: “It’s an ever growing problem. It’s been getting worse over the years.

“Some people don’t use their mirrors and pull out in front of you when others have pulled over for us.

“Sometimes people use us as a shield to get through the traffic, so they tuck in right behind."