A new law set to protect emergency service crews while on the road comes into action across the state tomorrow.
From September 1 drivers will be required to slow down to 40 kilometres an hour when passing emergency service vehicles on the roads.
The new NSW legislation follows other Australian states such as Victoria and South Australia and is aimed at limiting the risks of emergency services workers being injured while on the job.
Oxley Highway Patrol Sergeant Micheal Bulko said the new legislation applied to all of the state’s roadways.
“When you see the red and blue flashing lights, we ask you to slow down,” Sergeant Bulko said.
“It’s dangerous on the side of the road, everyone deserves a safe workplace and there is nothing worse than trying to do your job on the side of the road and having vehicles fly past you at 100km.”
The fine for disobeying the new legislation is $448 and three demerit points.
“If you are caught it won’t be a cheap exercise,” Sergeant Bulko said.
“The thing is we need the penalty to be that severe because we need people to take it seriously and help make the roads safer.
“So as of September 1 any police officer is entitled to infringe a motorist for exceeding the new speed limit around emergency services.
“It’s out there now so everyone should know about it.”
Fire and Rescue Zone Commander Tom Cooper said the new legislation applied to all branches of emergency services.
“Safety of our members is our number one priority,” Commander Cooper said.
“There have been a lot of near misses across the board, so it is very pleasing to have this added safety measure in place.
“We are very proud to have been a part of bringing about this change and the bottom line: is if you see the flashing lights, slow down.”
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
