London Fire Brigade - Paddington's Forward Command Unit on a shout

A21 Paddington's Range Rover Forward Command Unit on a run from Paddington to Charing Cross during the early1990's, through some of London's busiest streets, including the wrong way around Trafalgar Square.

[@elisj80]

that has to be the best driving I've seen so far and the sound from that v8 engine is mint !

[@shaneharrisnj3484]

That Rover V8, was actually a 214 cubic inch Buick small block, Buick gave Rover that motor...

[@benfrewin9926]

Great driving. People have to remember that this video was shot not that long after the King's X fire in which 33 people died. For years afterwards, the LFB were rightly very fast to respond to any AFA's at London stations, and getting commanders there quickly was a priority. This guy's traffic reading was first class. You'd need a sick bag though in a Range Rover!

[@Roger_Stenning]

Was it a Rangey or a Disco? I'm looking at the grab handle in front of the passenger, and that's a classic Disco #1 feature before they began to stick air bags there?

[@PaulCrichtonStandardC-528]

They did wallow on corners, and this classic well executed "Roadcraft"

[@jamjardj1974]

@@Roger_StenningV8 Range Rover

[@jamjardj1974]

Now they have Minis and i3s. SMDH.

[@firefighterno1]

Probably the best emergency driving ive ever seen. Those who criticise should explain why and give credentials

[@LiamGardner]

Absolutely top quality drive, wheels didn't stop rolling from leaving station to getting to the shout! The only thing you could possibly pick up on is the route he took, he could have gone down Piccadilly when he got to Hyde Park Corner and then down Haymarket or turned straight onto Constitution Hill and straight down The Mall (assuming they were both open)... but he knew as soon as he went past the turning hence the comment about "oh it's Charing Cross!"

[@code3responsevideos872]

No Criticisms but my credentials are firefighter since 2013 and driving instructor since 2018 which included teaching at our county academy. Also I am a CDL holder since 2013 and drive trucks professionally. I will say the way they drive is much more aggressive then in the US. I would venture to say their legal standards are looser. I also know if an accident occurred while driving like this in the US the operator would be incarcerated. While driving you cannot force other drivers out of the way. I will say the driver in this video was highly skilled.

[@mrangry3753]

Driving was horrendous, why race a control unit to a call like that. He was aggressive and shouting at other road users like a clown. Arrived just in time for the stop Went through a red light that definitely questionable. This man didn't make it through his career without hitting something for sure. Credentials, driving trucks in the big smoke for 20 years like I stole them. Best driver ever got into the front bar none

[@dangp7]

Starting from the arse end of Harrow Road, heading to Charing Cross, quick as possible. From someone who literally did this drive yesterday while on shift. Not much has changed in the road layout itself in those 25 years, the manner of driving absolutely. Nitpicks going down Edgware Rd, but not too bad. It’s notoriously difficult making progress. Wrong way around the Tyburn Tree at Marble Arch was dangerous, that’s a blind corner coming from Bayswater Rd, and if drivers back then are anything like now they fly around there. Sketchy driving down Park Lane. Forcing drivers into the bus lanes for no benefit, lane changes near side for no benefit. Stay big and bold in lane 4 and get drivers to move left, migrating in is just hoping there isn’t a moped in your blind spot. If he was planning on using the Mall to get to CX, why he didn’t go Constitution Hill off HPC is beyond me, even the guy in the passenger seat was questioning going Grosvenor place towards Vic. I’ll bet my entire salary this was red mist. Asking if the Queen is home going past Buckingham palace is mandatory, even though she died a year ago. Flooring it up the Mall is my favourite thing to do on blues. Then it all really goes tits up. Wrong way through Admiralty Arch is dangerous enough, WRONG WAY AROUND TRAFALGAR SQUARE!?! I physically cringed. Absolutely fucking not. If I ever drove with anyone who did that, I’d slap the shit out of them out of impulse. And then (like now), the Strand is divided up the middle, so you’re pushing right through opposing traffic all the way to the exit of CX. He’s lucky the other drivers were smarter than him. Facing the wrong way on a one way street with traffic is the most embarrassing thing. Don’t do that. Standards may have changed but common bloody sense hasn’t, and if you think this is good driving either for the time or now, you’re just an idiot and I’m happy for anyone to reply defending it so I can laugh.

[@dangp7]

Also, wheelspin is not a good thing. Not in racing, and not on the road. It’s a sign of poor throttle control, even before the days of TCS and better differentials. If time is so bloody important to everyone over safe progress, you’re losing both.

[@ShelvokeSPV]

Love it. The OIC is totally unfazed, which shows he has total trust in the skill and ability of his driver, even when they tackle Trafalgar Square against the traffic. Just another day in the office (so to speak).

[@BucksBlueLightVids]

Oh listen to that engine roar!! LOVELY!! And skilled driving as well

[@CapitanBluebeard]

excellent tactical driving. Great responses from the motoring public, yielding and giving way. Sadly that's not the case anymore these days despite emergency vehicles having even more lights and sirens.

[@1977mph]

'excellent tactical driving ' , no dangerous, reckless and falling well short of the standards expected of an emergency driver by the Police and Ambulance service , but as it;s trumpton it;s perfectly acceptable.

[@madmeerkat1158]

Driving at its best. Aggressive but safe and controlled. The kind of man I would want to arrive if ever I have an emergency!

[@Roger_Stenning]

Not aggressive: Assertive. Similar spelling, but worlds apart in methodology ;)

[@SuperLaverty]

I'm an advanced driver with St John ambulance London . I could only dream of having the driving skill that this guy has. I will however now look at Trafalgar Square in a different way ! These guys still made it in under 8 minutes even then! I've found my new KZbin heroes!

[@jodygraber8878]

That is the best driving I’ve seen, on video or in the streets of London!! The comment at the end “Always wanted to go around Trafalgar Sq the wrong way..” hilarious

[@deezelfairy]

Unbelievable driving, that run from Paddington to Charing Cross easily takes an hour, even in the late 80's/early 90's

[@WICKEDMAN85]

Damn Impressive driving from the Old School Fire Fighters of LFB. Great work lads. Defiantly London's finest.

[@thegoose4715]

No LAS are ;)

[@86501freightliner]

+Clem Fandango All of London's Emergency First Responders are!

[@thegoose4715]

+WaiHon Lam ha ha ok... I am biased, I was an LAS medic. I of course share your view... I was jesting.

[@corditekid1]

Wicked driving, nice timing though, getting there just as the 'Stop' comes through!!

[@briankelly5816]

You can feel the tension just by watching the driver coping with traffic! FANTASTIC VIDEO!!

[@johnharry7379]

These guys used to have the fire out before it even started!

[@ayl3166]

That sounds like an OAP... "In my day, if we told the fire no, it meant no"

[@stevedickinson8258]

Sir, I applourd your driving skills, they were fantastic. I am an ambulance driver from birmingham and I think you handled the entire run with prescision!!! Wish they still taught DEFENSIVE driving as it should be!

[@seanfusco58]

This EFAD driving is brilliant. His speed is very swift and very calm. He gets through the London traffic very easily. Wonderful driving.

[@victorfuray6821]

Why is there so much overt criticism of the driving here?? The driving demonstrated here is that expected of an advanced driver. Let's not be critical, the aim of the emergency services is the preservation of life and property and damage limitation. Response times are deadly critical, make no bones about that and in Central London, where the traffic and road conditions, at times, can be adverse, then there will be occasions when the emergency services may require to undertake 'unorthodox' manoeuvres. Admittedly, this footage is now somewhat 'elderly', certainly looks like early to mid 90s, so driving practices and procedures have changed somewhat now. None the less a cracking response time from Paddington to Charing Cross and an accomplished piece of driving!

[@1977mph]

it is not the driving expected from and Advanced Driver, it is reckjless and dangerous especially as it's the FCU not a first due resource

[@hvymtal8566]

1977mph FCU was first due for tube train incidents back then, it's radios could transmit/receive well through the various tunnels involved in underground stations. Now radios are good enough that they aren't needed

[@1977mph]

given it's an FCU and it;s presence is a adminstrative nicety ... but let's not let the facts or the views of people with with over a decade of experience in emergency work get in the way of silly little boys frothing themselves silly over nee-naws

[@hvymtal8566]

1977mph Except it wasn't an administrative nicety, it was necessary at the time for underground operations due to the radio technology in use, as I've already said and you totally ignore furthermore emergency response driving was a different animal in that time, comparing techniques used then to techniques now would be like comparing a Spittfire and an EF Typhoon and immediately concluding that the spitfire is junk

[@scottishmale1970]

well a fully trained driver and id say skilled at what he does

[@804USAR]

Seven and a half minutes of the best driving I've ever seen. I finally found something that's better than Steve McQueen's chase scene. Dear god.

[@Clownler]

This is by far the craziest ting I have seen all month. I love it!

[@slymills]

Thanks for the video! The sound of that Land Rovers V8 and the driving was brilliant :)

[@malonefan]

"Oh Shit its charing cross innit?" < Freaking lols!

[@BicycleFanatic89]

Amazing ! I can watch this video over 200 times and always I will be delighted. Fantastic drive through hard streets. Great !

[@bobbusby9237]

Bloody awsome driving skills

[@rogerpayne5336]

Even watching this in Nov 2022 - modern time's - that guy can drive!!!! I wonder what he'd be like in a performance car if he can drive a original v8 Range rover like that....And the v8 made sweet music to accompany this emergency driving masterclass......10/10 for driving , v8 , old siren.

[@a20axf]

It may be terrible quality (due to various factors) but, it is one of the best emergency response videos I've ever seen! That V8 sound and ballsy driving were something else, more of this please!

[@a20axf]

Found myself back here again 😂👌🏻

[@readie1000]

Absolutely loved this run, excellent driving

[@Chickenman702]

5:45 "What a fuckin' donkey" I must say that made laugh

[@NickF14]

Getting through that much traffic, he made it look easy. It was almost as if he planned the route in advanced, good job mate!

[@seanfusco58]

Amazing Driving and very confident,Calm, skilful and I have every respect for this Fire Emergency Driver.

[@Brian-zl8qj]

If I was the passenger I think I'd be hanging on for dear life!!! Fantastic driving!!!

[@brad4057]

All that hard work and gets a code 6 on arrival..good drive I was at A22 for 2 years it's a nightmare getting around the West end on blues and twos

[@andyoliver6211]

Brilliant driving, thanks for posting

[@policeblue999]

Nice to see this one making a return, many many thanks for posting.

[@charade97]

Absolutely brilliant. Well done! The only time I had anything to do with a fire engine was when on Fire Picket in the RAF in 1961, and then I only pressed the bell button!

[@trigsretromotors]

Fantastic video!, Love the sound of the V8 and some pretty hairy driving around Trafalgar Square!, Thanks for uploading!

[@dansus99]

Proper old school response driving. Love it. :D

[@DasArab]

WoW, thats amazing driving in that Rage Rover, who'd have thought they were as chuckable as that!!!

[@deezelfairy]

Dash Cam Das I used to have an 80's range rover and you really could chuck em about, you had to really know them well though, get it wrong and you could have a bad day very quickly - this guy must have had serious training.

[@TheMank999]

It wasn’t that chuckable. It was rolled twice before we changed it out. I used it as a runaround from staff at padders.

[@rosscharlie5349]

this guy should be a rally driver . Big balls

[@TheDoubledoppler]

Best driver I’ve seen so far...

[@southeastandsouthcentralem1355]

@BLACKWALL STUDIOS older woodway commander mate

[@LondonEmergency999]

@@southeastandsouthcentralem1355Whelen WS295 actually, not a woodway commander

[@southeastandsouthcentralem1355]

@@LondonEmergency999 good for you pal

[@arsenalgnr]

LOL Heading to Victoria when the shout is at charring cross, the as soon as they arrive you hear the stop message.. Great driving

[@haydenjessup]

hands down the best driving and reflexes if seen!!

[@1977mph]

worst EV driving i've ever seen , i've seen better driving from untrained drivers

[@haydenjessup]

1977mph you're on the wrong video buddy.

[@1977mph]

Hayden Jessup I don't think so ...

[@hvymtal8566]

1977mph Justify your statement. I've seen pursuit specialists in US and Britain drive worse than this on tape

[@mikedinni6318]

That driver is absolutely hossing it through the traffic like a complete boss!

[@EnidAgnusDei]

One of if not the best vids and display of driving ever

[@churchhouseclassics]

Awesome! This makes Rendezvous look like Postman Pat on his rounds.

[@RB_750GS]

That is some excellent driving... Well done chap!

[@Ravaniscool]

That's really some incredible driving. Loved it!

[@1977mph]

unfortunately ravan the number of Coffins says US Americian Opinions on what is safe and effective emergency driving somewhat moot.

[@sp3c14l1st]

great driving , holy shit!!

[@SENTA410]

Good driver , never missed a gap.

[@Dickinsonradiotv]

The more I watch this, the more respect this driver gets from me, I bluelight in Birmingham and this guy has more skill than anyone Ive ever driven with!

[@wearethemoos]

Love it. Brilliant driving.

[@cgall_0468]

Wow that's some amazing driving

[@rlom1234ma]

What a great driver...fantastic!! I actually thought I was on a ride at Disney...I could feel myself moving from side to side in my chair!

[@dhughes1969]

I'm impressed most drivers made an effort to get out of the way.

[@MrCardboardDave]

Those classic range rovers really did like to be thrown around. Had a few over the years wish I had one now

[@LSF315]

That old V8 must have nearly achieved two mikes to the gallon there! Fantastic driving.

[@hvymtal8566]

remember people, this was in a time where cars had little sound insulation and people actually respected the right of way of the guy with the flashing lights :P No matter, just goes to show how good command units' driver are/were. That was a lot of wheel and pedal action

[@gta4ishardcore]

hvymtal Sorry but driving the wrong way on a round about swerving between lanes is not safe, he got away with it but it isn't safe.

[@TheMaxyboy92]

Don't forget this was also before mobile phones became stuck on the side of Human's head's. I drive Fire Appliances in London today(and drove the Range Rover shown in the clip,although not when this film was shot) and the average motorist is much less aware of what is going on around them.

[@paulmarshall9549]

Not safe ha what would you do if your loved ones needed this driver, he was fantastic there should be more drivers like him he is the type you need if people are in trouble

[@charlieroberts7775]

It is u moron if using proper warning devices

[@Biffo1262]

@@gta4ishardcore It looks impressive but as an EFAD driver and now retired Sub Officer it was at times rather risky. I appreciate the drivers wider field of vision is far better than that of the lens of the video camera and the speed is exaggerated by the narrow field of vision by he gave little regard as to what time he gave other drivers to react. OK HE knows what he's doing but does he know what the other drivers are going to do? I have ridden more times than I care to think about with drivers like that in my career and every one, bar none, comes a cropper eventually simply because they get away with it for so long the odds catch up with them. A surprising fact is that very often the 'steady Eddy' driver gets there just as fast as he gives the traffic more time to react which ensures a far smoother ride with far less harsh acceleration and heavy braking. Spectacular it is, safe it isn't. BTW it wasn't necessary anyway, it's only the Command Unit, so all the risky driving was totally unnecessary; it was all for the camera.

[@crowndrive35]

Watched this again after a few years,still amazed he never had a crash (and not because of his driving)the driver obviously knew the dimensions of the vehicle very well and negotiated the traffic fantastically and given he had only that poor strobe lights on top that can't be compared to post 2007 led's that run was amazing .Today that would probably be classed as dangerous ,how times have changed,still I don't know why he chose to force his way through the traffic at the end because it was an afa.Anyway full credit for his driving skills and if anyone wants to critique my comments good or bad I'm open to listen .thanks

[@johnarat9618]

This happened just after Kings Cross. It's similar to 9/11. Where and when will the next Kings Cross (or 9/11) happen? You never know.

[@JuliettWhiskeyNiner]

Just as they pull in…”A242. STOP. Charing Cross Station. Code 6”. Couldn’t have been better timing!

[@colintook3357]

I always wanted to go round Trafalgar Square the wrong way. Classic.

[@MooseMan1328]

Paddington -> along Westway -> Edgeware Rd -> Marble Arch @2:00 -> along Hyde Park -> Grovsenor Pl -> past Buckingham Palace @4:40 -> The Mall -> under Admiralty Arch @5:45 -> wrong way around Trafalgar Sq -> Charing Cross Station

[@royalrichmond4154]

That’s a good fast one from Paddington to Charing +. What an old video. Why didn’t he go down Constitution Hill - instead going the long way around Buck House via Grosvenor Place.?

[@t3h8d9]

The best ride around London I ever had! Great vid, thanks for posting. Praise the LFB.

[@user-mv8id1iq5u]

Surely Constitution Hill would have been faster than down to Lower Grosvenor Place? Amazing driving, even so :)

[@patgeorge1]

But late with your advice!

[@alanco608]

The Queen may nor have been home but I swear I saw a curtain twitch at The Palace....fabulous driving.

[@madmeerkat1158]

Great driving!!!!!

[@vingebil]

wow, great driving!!

[@christineallen7170]

Fook me that's not a response driver ....that's a bank job get away driver......balls of steel

[@MrMully09]

that driving was world class!!!!!!

[@123owenboy]

Anyone else hear the ‘stop’ message just as they pull up 😂😂

[@billashton4107]

Not unlike a ride I had in a HFB Range Rover in Helsinki in the late 70's...sad the day of the two-tone horn has passed...brilliant driver!

[@northoltflightwatch]

"Oh shit its Charing Cross" "We're in Victoria" Fucking gold, great vid and great driving though!

[@CobraEmergency]

***** Aha x)

[@tavalli]

Excellent video.

[@grahamdobson7428]

Excellent driving.

[@bg1379]

As a younger person, it's fascinating to hear this old automatic transmission doing its job. Really makes it clear why "slushbox" is a thing! There isn't an auto in the world right now that's this slushy.

[@charlieroberts7775]

I love the observer mirror for the boss

[@LindaJ21]

Excellent driving! You wouldn't be slagging him off if it was YOUR bloody house on fire! Linda

[@j.s.4074]

What an awesome ride. The driver is great.

[@catlover4971]

Awesome driving

[@Wollaston123]

Now that was class

[@robinaxeman]

Great driving.He went through gaps that were not there

[@Firefighternorway]

Wow, this was quite a ride, though I'd have held my breath if I was in it. Interesting way of driving...

[@scottdd2]

there's no doubt that nowadays that wouldn't happen, but the skill can't be denied. he hardly stopped for a moment and the forward vision was great. a lot to be said for the courtesy of the public too.

[@massimobernardoni6928]

I love this video.

[@colinbucci]

Nice driving i love the eastern trucks so small and nimble but the west trucks are huge

[@anaybay]

brilliant driving

[@seanfusco58]

Superb Driving. Class Ews.

[@flashaka404]

Driving Skills 👌

[@calum1741]

Is the driver still alive? He deserves a pint and an award )

[@stevekiel82]

I too wish to shake this mans hand and buy him a pint! :-)

[@train672]

I think you develop a 'sixth sense' about what other drivers will do when driving in 'emergency' . You don't just concentrate on your own driving but watch all the others and predict what they might do - all comes with experience and good training !

[@southeastandsouthcentralem1355]

bahhaha, stop message comes in when they arrive 🤣

[@steely666]

Very good driver. Highly skilled.

[@larryrwendelljr4465]

Great Driving!

[@oto24680]

Fantastic driving! Blood marvellous! Thumbs up to this driver! If you were a idiot and got in the way, tough! Yeah with roads and traffic like them, you need these drivers! Thanks for uploading! Subscribed.

[@metpol]

He certainly knew how to sling that old range rover about.

[@Dunstire]

Legendary driving.What a buzz.Let's see him do it again after 6 cans of Kestrel Super and compare results (just for science)

[@jamienorman2622]

His toolbox was crashing around abit in the back lol

[@gerardanderson1967]

Thats great driveing and good blue light tranning as us firefighters most do

[@London1064]

Brilliant bit of driving. This guy should be a getaway driver or better still work for the Police as a pursuit Driver. Top Job.

[@JamesP1039]

Fantastic and skilful driver.

[@teammoont]

How do you teach someone to drive like that? I think it's the anticipation of other drivers' reactions that's the most impressive. Some of the gaps he gets that thing through are amazing.

[@crashdodgers]

You can not teach skills like this driver has, as it comes with years of experience.