KEY POINTS:

• The new road rule will apply from 1 September 2018 on a trial basis for 12 months
• It requires motorists to 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 new speed limit will face stiff penalties, including a $448 fine and the loss of three demerit points.

NSW Centre for Road Safety Executive Director Bernard Carlon said the trial would boost the safety of emergency workers and those they are protecting on the road side.

“The new road rule will provide extra protection for all emergency workers and volunteers who respond to crashes and other incidents on our roads,” Mr Carlon said.

“When you see the blue or red flashing lights on an emergency vehicle stopped on the road, safely reduce your speed so that you are not exceeding 40km/h when you pass. Keep to 40km/h until you’ve safely passed all people and emergency vehicles.

“We want to ensure that people protecting us on our road network don’t become casualties while doing their jobs. This rule will give extra protection and confidence that at the end of a shift they can go home safely to families and friends.”

Transport for NSW will monitor the safety and traffic impacts of the rule over the 12 month trial in consultation with NSW Police, emergency service organisations and other stakeholders.

To find out more visit: http://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/campaigns/slow-down-for-emergency-vehicles/index.html