Routing Modes

Routing Modes



When generating a route, you will see icons at the top of your screen that represent the different vehicle routing modes available to you.

First, choose between emergency and non-emergency at the top and the route will be generated accordingly. The Emergency mode is the default option and enables you to make use of all legal exemptions typically granted to blue light drivers. This includes: 
  1. No motor vehicle access (e.g. Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and School Streets)
  2. No left/right turns
  3. Bus/taxi access only
  4. Emergency access only

If there are physical barriers (e.g. bollards or locked gates) blocking the road, the route will not try to take you through them.

Then, ensure the correct vehicle mode is selected. Your most recent choice will be selected by default. They're not specific to type of emergency service, but vehicle characteristics.

The icons are shown in greyscale when unselected, and colour when selected. Tapping between the icons will automatically re-calculate the route.

Response Car



For response vehicles with a standard car chassis.

Large Response Vehicle



This mode is designed for vehicles such as Ambulances and Police carriers/vans. 

It will avoid roads with restrictions that are narrower than 2.5m, the typical width of ambulances and police personnel carriers, as well as check for height restrictions less than 3m. 

Emergency/Non-Emergency modes apply as normal. For example, if there is both a width restriction and a wider lane designed for buses through the middle (as below), Emergency mode functionality will expect you to travel through the wider bus lane. If Non-Emergency mode is selected, this road would be avoided.




Smooth Ambulance Ride



This mode is designed for ambulances with a patient on board. In addition to the 'Large Response Vehicle' characteristics, it will try to avoid speed bumps and rough road surfaces as much as possible.

Fire Appliance








This mode is designed for vehicles that are 3m wide and 4m high (the upper limit of most fire appliances).

It will also try and find routes that avoid too many turns on smaller roads, and reduce the number of sharp turns. 

    • Related Articles

    • Getting Started

      Install The first time you run Blue Light Maps, you'll need to grant 'precise' location permission when pr You'll also be asked to provide permissions for notifications. This enables direction notifications to appear in your devices notification ...

    • Release 24.04.12

      This release makes a number of backend improvements which require the download of new map data. We strongly recommend downloading maps over WiFi in advance to avoid any mobile connectivity issues. General: Routing: Increased preference for main vs. ...

    • Release 24.05.07

      General: Refreshed map data Routing algorithm improvements, update map data to ensure you get the best routes Various minor fixes Android: NEW: Android Auto release NEW: Directions now appear in notification bar Easier bookmark management iOS: iPad ...

    • Release 24.06.24

      General: Refreshed map data & improved download reminders UK postcode search available offline Ambulance Station category added to Search screen Minor routing algorithm improvements Various stability/performance improvements iOS: CarPlay: Can now ...

    • Map Downloads & Updates

      Types of Map As all of our routing calculations take place offline, having the relevant maps downloaded is vital. As well as regional maps, we have 'World' and 'WorldCoasts' maps, which are included in your initial app download. These are high level ...