A dashcam video shows drivers taking up to 26 seconds to move out of the way of an emergency vehicle.

Motorists are failing to move out of the way of emergency services, with a firefighter saying the problem is getting worse.

In a video shared on social media by the New Zealand Police, Auckland drivers took up to 26 seconds before realising a police car, fire truck or ambulance was trying to pass them to get to an emergency situation.

One driver was wearing headphones and another vehicle could be seen moving into the lane ahead of the emergency vehicle.

Police said the penalty for failing to get out of the way was $150 – but they didn't want to fine people.

READ MORE:

* Police stand by ticketing person speeding to avoid crash

* Lights, sirens, panic: driving reactions alarm emergency services

Fire and Emergency NZ assistant area manager Stephan Sosich said firefighters come across the problem at "pretty much" every call they responded to.

SUPPLIED Drivers in Auckland are taking too long to react to emergency service sirens and move out of the way.

"Given the number of vehicles on the roads these days, it really is an issue," Sosich said.

"It certainly has gotten worse over the years."

He said the worst he had seen was a person folding their laundry while driving down the motorway, steering with their knees.

Police Inspector Scott Webb said it was crucial motorists move out of the way of ambulances, fire engines and police cars as soon as they could.

"Our emergency partners, St John and Fire and Emergency New Zealand, do an incredible job responding to life-threatening situations 24 hours a day, seven days a week," Webb said.

"Together, we respond to vehicle crashes, fires, medical emergencies and a number of different situations where people's lives are in danger.

"We give our all to helping the communities we serve and being there when people need help."

Webb said a number of people aren't getting the message and the important of getting out of the way.

On a single lane road, Webb said motorists needed to indicate and pull over to the left side until the emergency vehicle could pass.

On a multi-laned road, Webb said motorists should slow down, indicate and get into the left lane.

If on a congested motorway, drivers should check their rear view mirrors as the emergency vehicle driver would likely want to split traffic.