Tuesday 28 April, 2020
LNP Leader Deb Frecklington is calling for new rules to be trialled in Queensland to prevent a repeat of the road tragedy which claimed the lives of four Victorian police officers.
Ms Frecklington said the rules would protect emergency service workers from dangerous drivers when they attend roadside incidents.
The laws would apply whenever emergency service vehicles are parked with their
flashing lights turned on.
“The terrible crash in Melbourne was another reminder of the risks that our police and other emergency service personnel face every day,” Ms Frecklington said.
“We need to protect the police, firies and ambos who protect us.
“I want to trial rules that will compel motorists to drive responsibly when they see first responders by the roadside.
“I know Queenslanders were shocked by what happened in Melbourne and want to see our emergency service workers kept safe.”
The LNP is calling for a local trial of two new sets of road rules:
- On high speed roads of 90km/h and above, drivers will be required to slow down safely to a reasonable speed when passing a stationary tow truck, breakdown assistance or emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights. They will also have to provide sufficient space between their vehicle and the stationary vehicle, including changing lanes on multi-lane roads if it is safe to do so.
- On lower speed roads (with a speed limit of 80km/h or less), motorists will be required to slow to 40km/h when passing stationary tow trucks, breakdown assistance or emergency vehicles.
“I hope Labor will back a two-year trial of these rules, but if they don’t I promise that the LNP will if we win the next state election,” Ms Frecklington said.
“Most other jurisdictions have these road rules, Queensland is one of the last states to act.”
