A new road rule will be introduced to enhance the safety of NSW emergency service workers and volunteers.

The NSW Government announced the introduction of a new road rule requiring motorists to slow down to 40km/h when an emergency vehicle is stopped and has its red or blue lights flashing on all roads.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Troy Grant said the new rule will provide better protection of our emergency service workers. 

“Our emergency service workers and volunteers are out there every day, often putting themselves in harm’s way to protect us and keep us safe on the roads. Our police, fire fighters, ambulance officers, State Emergency Service and rescue volunteers do difficult and dangerous work with little or no fanfare,” Mr Grant said. 

“These new measures will help ensure the safety of our dedicated emergency service personnel,” he added. 

According to Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey, trial of the new rule will be conducted from 1 September this year for 12 months, following a comprehensive public education campaign.

Mrs Pavey said the rule will “give all emergency workers extra protection, and confidence that they can go to work and at the end of their shift, get home safely to their families”.

Over the 12-months trial period, the NSW Government will monitor the safety and traffic impacts of the rule in consultation with NSW Police, emergency service organisations as well as stakeholder groups.

Eunji Cho / info@hanhodaily.com