New state drivers will have to slow down to 40 km / h from September as they drive through emergency service vehicles with flashlights on, or face a series of penalties, according to news channel 9.
The new state, government, announced that the one-year trial had officially begun over the weekend. When police vehicles, ambulances, fire engines, emergency vehicles (SES) or other rescue vehicles are parked on the side of the road and red or blue lights are turned on, all roads are subject to 40km/h speed limits.
"this new measure will help ensure the safety of full-time emergency workers." New state police and emergency services minister Troy Grant said in a statement. The announcement came after Labour repeatedly asked the government to introduce laws similar to those in Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria. It has the support of police, paramedics and firefighters` unions, which have long fought for the change.
The new state rural fire service association also welcomed it, saying it was an important step to help make roads safer. "all emergency workers face enough risks every day and we should stop worrying about speeding or distraction from being hit by a car. That`s why we need this law, and now the government has taken action. " President Ken Middleton said.
In February, two police officers were injured in an attack while setting up a random breathing test station in southwestern Sydney. Senior Police Officer Jonathan Wright had partial amputation of lower limbs and Senior Officer Matthew Foley had broken legs. In Western Australia, drivers who fail to slow down to 40 km / h while passing through emergency vehicles will be fined $300 for 3 points.
