Drivers face new fines to protect emergency service workers

The State Government has announced new fines aimed at keeping frontline drivers safe after a push from the state’s peak motoring body since 2017.

Drivers will face fines for refusing to slow down or move over for emergency vehicles under rules to be brought in this year.

But the exact penalty is yet to be determined.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey has announced he will change road rules to keep first responders and emergency vehicles safe when helping other Queenslanders.

“We’re introducing a new ‘move over, slow down’ rule which means drivers will need to slow down or change lanes when passing a stationary vehicle with flashing lights,” he said.

“This includes ambulances, police cars, fire trucks, tow trucks and breakdown assistance vehicles to protect anyone working by the roadside from vehicles travelling at high speeds.”

The new road rules will require drivers to slow or change lanes to pass a stationary ambulance. Picture: Liam Kidston

Mr Bailey said many motorists exercised safe driving already around emergency vehicles but this rule change would make it clear to all how to pass an emergency scene.

“We need to help create a safer work environment for our first responders and emergency service workers,” he said.

“The likelihood of a serious injury or fatality increases significantly as vehicle speeds increase so we are aiming to reduce that risk as much as possible.”

A spokeswoman said the value of the penalty would be similar to other comparable offences, with police to enforce.

RACQ group chief executive officer David Carter said the club had been wanting the change since 2017, with 90 per cent of its members supportive.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Josh Wonning

“Emergency responders, including our roadside crews, put their lives on the line each and every day by working in high-risk and often high-speed environments to rescue stranded motorists, but one wrong move by a passing driver could end in tragedy,” Mr Carter said.

Meanwhile, Mr Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government was developing a new road safety strategy and action plan in 2022.

It follows a particularly lethal start to the year for road users, with 12 deaths on Queensland roads in the first 20 days of the year.

“That strategy will outline our approach to improving safety over the coming decade,” the Minister said.

“We’ll be releasing it in the coming months to help improve road safety across Queensland.”