The tragedy that occurred last week on the side of a Melbourne freeway that saw four police officers killed, shocked the nation. While not wishing to comment on the specifics of the case due to pending court action, it does reinforce the danger that first responders face when they attend traffic incidents on busy, high speed roads – often at night.

No doubt your members are always mindful of this ever-present threat as they go about their duties. Understandably, many would probably have already been looking to see if there are further measures that might be taken to keep them safe while working by the roadside.

The LNP recognises and appreciates the dangerous conditions that our police and emergency services workers encounter when undertaking their work – every time they go to work. We are firmly of the view that providing a safe working environment must be the highest priority.

That is why we have announced a commitment to trial a new road rule in Queensland which is aimed at ensuring the safety of emergency services workers and roadside assistance crews.

For roads where the speed limit is 80 kph or less, motorists will be required to slow down to 40 kph when passing stationary emergency vehicles with their flashing lights activated.

On roads with speed limits of 90 kph or more, motorists will still need to slow down to a speed that is safe and reasonable for the circumstances. They will also be required to keep sufficient space between their vehicle and the emergency workers and on multi-lanes, drivers must change lanes to keep the lane next to the vehicle free, wherever practical and safe to do so. This has been informed by the New South Wales experience, but there are similar road rules in most other states as well.

Importantly, we are not imposing an arbitrary 40 kph speed limit for this new road rule trial.

The trial will be based around the rule already being applied by these agencies, thereby adding a level of consistency across jurisdictions. It is hoped that this new rule will improve the safety of emergency services workers such as police, paramedics and firies, as well as tow truck operators and breakdown assistance crews. It’s important that motorists slow down and provide more space to protect everyone attending the scene of a road accident or where a motorist has been intercepted by a police officer.

The LNP would like to work closely with you on the implementation of this initiative, should we be successful at the upcoming state election. This could also include any further suggestions to make the working environment safer such as enhanced visibility, stopping in safe locations and driver education.

Please feel free to pass this information on to your members.

Yours Sincerely

DEB FRECKLINGTON MP
Leader of the Opposition
Shadow Minister for Trade
Member for Nanango

STEVE MINNIKIN MP
Shadow Minister for Transport
Member for Chatsworth

DAN PURDIE MP
Shadow Minister for Police
Member for Ninderry

The full letter to MTAQ from the Qld Opposition can be found here.

1 May 2020