Mike737 Posted 20June, 2017 Report Share Posted 20June, 2017 Just found out there's a new road rule coming in in just over a weeks time. I hadn't heard about it until now. Pretty poor media coverage on it. Full details here -> https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/road-rules/a-to-z-of-road-rules/police-and-emergency-vehiclesHere's a cut down version if you can't be bothered reading the full details--------------------------------------------------------From 1 July 2017 a new road rule will be introduced to improve safety for our emergency and enforcement workers.What is the new rule? Motorists must slow down to a speed that would enable them to stop safely if necessary when approaching and passing enforcement, emergency or escort vehicles that are stationary or moving slowly (less than 10km/h)*, and have either:red and blue flashing lightsmagenta (purple) flashing lights - Transport Safety Servicesan alarm soundingYou must not exceed 40km/h when passing the vehicle and not increase your speed until a safe distance from the scene.* A fire truck extinguishing roadside spot fires is an example of a slow-moving emergency vehicle.Does the new rule apply on all road types?Yes, it applies to all roads, including freeways.It doesn’t apply to vehicles on the other side of a divided carriageway from an emergency or enforcement vehicle scene.What type of emergency or enforcement vehicles are covered by the new rule?Police vehicles Ambulance Victoria vehicles Metropolitan Fire Brigade vehiclesCountry Fire Authority vehicles State Emergency Service vehiclesVicRoads Transport Safety Service vehicles (magenta, purple flashing lights)Can I be fined for not obeying the new road rule?Yes, you can be fined.The infringement penalty for breaching the new road rule is 1.75 penalty units ($272.05), with the maximum court penalty of 5 penalty units ($777.30). No demerit points will apply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dreamr Posted 20June, 2017 Report Share Posted 20June, 2017 I can see this being a really good idea ...I have been in the NSW Rural Fire Service for the past 8 years and the amount of accidents I have been to on the 110 kph freeway are too many to mention.There is nothing quite as scary as thousands of cars flying past you at 110 k's while you are trying to either put out a car or bush or retrieve a vehicle in a width of space that a shopping trolley would find tight.Safety first I say ..... inconvenience second. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeM Posted 20June, 2017 Report Share Posted 20June, 2017 Here in SA, it's 25kph when passing any emergency vehicles with flashing lights operating. It should be 40 in my opinion Whether its 60 or 100kph speed limit here, you have to slow to 25! I totally agree with the idea, yet being as I'm on the road a lot, I watched a semi trailer hit the brakes and go completely sideways in a 100 zone due to a car hitting the brakes to get to 25kph before the cop car that was partially in the left lane only issuing a ticket. How on earth we were all not involved in a huge accident is beyond me! The cop needed his head read to be sitting there in a 100 zone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-Man Posted 20June, 2017 Report Share Posted 20June, 2017 Nothing wrong with this at all. 40kmhr is a fair speed. Now all we need to do is advise the cars on the opposite side of the freeway that they don't need to slow and rubber neck also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucky Phil Posted 21June, 2017 Report Share Posted 21June, 2017 Just checking the rule that applies. So I am on a freeway and the police have pulled over a car ahead and are on the left side of the road in the emergency stop lane with blue lights flashing having a chat to the driver (we see this all the time). Does the new rule mean I have to break and not exceed 40 klm when passing the police car even when I am in the far right lane on a four lane freeway? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redracn Posted 21June, 2017 Report Share Posted 21June, 2017 This will probably cause more accidents and creat more danger at the scene especially early on with some knowing the rule and some not. Also seems to me to be an enforcement nightmare. Is the cop going to abondon his more lucrative catch with demerit points to chase down someone who's speed he is guessing for a small fine and no demerits. And as far as other services who is going to catch anybody. What happend to common sense if someone is close to the road you make sure you don't hit them. What next pedestrians and push bikes or even animals? I hope the collect actual data and compare before and after to justify the changes but I bet they don't as per usual. Just another nail in the coffin for common sense and personal responsibility. Just checking the rule that applies. So I am on a freeway and the police have pulled over a car ahead and are on the left side of the road in the emergency stop lane with blue lights flashing having a chat to the driver (we see this all the time). Does the new rule mean I have to break and not exceed 40 klm when passing the police car even when I am in the far right lane on a four lane freeway?Yep it seems it applies to the edge of that road or a divider/median strip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KGB Posted 21June, 2017 Report Share Posted 21June, 2017 Legislating Common Sense vs Potential for Darwin's Theory to improve the breed (eg 30km/h speed limits to 'protect' pedestrians). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeM Posted 21June, 2017 Report Share Posted 21June, 2017 Does the new rule mean I have to break and not exceed 40 klm when passing the police car even when I am in the far right lane on a four lane freeway? Correct Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redracn Posted 21June, 2017 Report Share Posted 21June, 2017 Of course if it was about safety then camera cars should have flashing lights to protect the operator given the clear danger they are placed in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrevMcRev Posted 21June, 2017 Report Share Posted 21June, 2017 I wonder if they can double whammy you on this for speeding?If you're on a 100kph road and don't slow to 40 are you now considered 60 over the limit...if so are you a hoon? Car impounded? License gone?Or just a fine specifically for not slowing with no other impact?Mikes first cut n paste says no demerit points apply, but the like says fines and demerit points apply...PenaltiesIf drivers are caught breaking these rules they may be given fines and demerit points. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike737 Posted 21June, 2017 Author Report Share Posted 21June, 2017 I wonder if they can double whammy you on this for speeding?If you're on a 100kph road and don't slow to 40 are you now considered 60 over the limit...if so are you a hoon? Car impounded? License gone?Or just a fine specifically for not slowing with no other impact?Mikes first cut n paste says no demerit points apply, but the like says fines and demerit points apply...PenaltiesIf drivers are caught breaking these rules they may be given fines and demerit points.That penalties section is under the "Giving way to emergency vehicles" rule.Don't think they could double whammy you unless they replaced the speed signs or had variable limit signs.Honestly I'm for the new rule, as long as everyone is on the same page. Pretty sure it won't take long for someone who doesn't know the rule (or an interstater) to give you a pounding up the rear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.