Crash expert back NSW Police and NRMA’s call to scrap 40km/h slow down law

A leading traffic expert with 40 years’ experience investigating road crashes has supported calls by NSW police officers and the NRMA for the new 40km/h slow down law to be scrapped. HAVE YOUR SAY IN OUR POLL.

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A leading traffic expert with 40 years’ experience investigating road crashes has supported calls by NSW police officers for the new 40km/h slow down law to be scrapped.

Forensic engineer specialising in crash investigations John Jamieson said NSW’s 40km/h speed limit past parked emergency service ­vehicles was “just dangerous”.

His comments came after The Daily Telegraph revealed on Monday the NSW Police Association and NRMA are calling for the 40km/h limit to be removed from the legislation just five months after it was introduced.

The law requires motorists to slow down to 40km/h when emergency vehicles or police cars are stationary on the side of the road. Picture: Dylan Robinson

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A central issue is the hazard created when motorists travelling up to 110km/h on freeways have to suddenly slow down in heavy traffic when they sight an emergency vehicle with lights flashing at the side of the road.

Many interstate drivers are not aware of the rule, adding to the confusion.

Senior police have raised questions about the law after a motorcycle cop was hit by a car driven by a Queensland woman last month while he was conducting a traffic stop on a 110km/h section of the M1 near Nambucca Heads. The officer suffered a broken leg.

Mr Jamieson has worked for NRMA as a senior traffic engineer and has investigated several thousand crashes for Crown prosecutors, the Department of Public Prosecutions and property insurers.

Roads Minister Melinda Pavey is open to changing the law. Picture: Supplied

He said the 40km/h limit introduced the known hazard of “speed differential’’ on NSW motorways, where the uniform flow of traffic is disrupted when a driver slows down.

“It is a common reason for crashes on motorways,’’ he said.

“I understand the concern for police safety as I have investigated a lot of crashes and deaths in incidents with them on the side of the road but this is not the way to address it.”

Mr Jamieson suggested the new law is unnecessary.

“It is common knowledge when a driver passes a red or blue flashing police car, they already show caution,” he said

Roads Minister Melinda Pavey said she was open to changing the law, which was to be reviewed in September.