The rule that experts say is making our roads more dangerous
Just months after rolling it out, there are calls to scrap a new road rule that requires drivers to slow down around emergency vehicles.
Since September 1, New South Wales drivers have been subjected to the “go slow” rule, requiring them to lower their speed to 40km/h when passing a stationary emergency vehicle that has its lights flashing.
The trial was meant to last 12 months but less than half-way in, the Police Union and The NRMA say it is causing unnecessary danger on our high-speed motorways.
“We had concerns about the policy when it was first introduced, now it looks like the community also has concerns and they need to be addressed,” NRMA’s Peter Khoury told 7 News.
Tony King, President of the New South Wales Police Association, echoed Mr Khoury’s sentiment saying there needs to be a common sense approach to the situation rather than one enshrined legislation.
“Of course, we need to create space between vehicles and workers, and we need motorists to slow down around emergency and roadside assistance vehicles for the safety of everyone on the road,” he told News Corp.
“However, the restriction of the 40km/h limit has caused some issues, particularly on major arterial roads.
“We need to ensure that sensible rules are put in place to make sure that everyone is as safe as possible on and around our roads.”
As it stands, motorists who break the go slow rule risk losing three demerit points and $448 in fines.
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