New ‘slow down’ road rule now in effect

Agencies At 7:31 pm 0 Comment Print

As part of a successful campaign led by the NSW Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA), from today, drivers in NSW will now have to slow down to 40 km/h when passing stationary emergency vehicles with their lights flashing.

Ken Middleton, RFSA President, said the twelve-month trial, beginning today, is a vital measure to help make the state’s roads safer.

“It’s absolutely imperative that our emergency workers and volunteers are protected while at work and responding to emergency incidents across the state,” said Mr Middleton.

“We want to ensure that emergency workers going about their work protecting the people of New South Wales don’t become casualties themselves while doing their jobs.

“New South Wales already employs the use of reduced speed rules around school zones.

“We look forward to our valued emergency workers and volunteers having the same level of protection applied to them as well.

“The NSW Rural Fire Service Association is the official body established in 1996 to support and give a voice to the members of the NSW RFS on matters which directly affect their ability to fight fires, render incidents safe and protect the community.

“As the peak body representing 74,000 members of the NSW Rural Fire Service, I believe this measure is absolutely vital in protecting NSW RFS members, and all emergency services workers.”

The rules, released by Transport NSW, are:

• Slow down to 40km/h when passing stationary emergency vehicles displaying red or blue flashing lights

• The rule applies to vehicles travelling in both directions, unless the road is divided by a median strip

• Motorists who ignore the speed limit will face penalties including a $448 fine and the loss of three demerit points.

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