AS summer nears, and we inevitably see an increase in emergency vehicles on the road, a new road rule has been created regarding passing stationary emergency vehicles that is about to come into effect.

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The new rules requires motorists to slow down to 40km/h when passing these stationary vehicles with their lights turned on, and goes into effect on 1 September.

The new rule also requires motorists to give way to any person on foot in the immediate area of the emergency vehicle.

Motorists should not increase their speed until they are a safe distance past the vehicle, so as not to cause a danger to anyone in the vicinity.

The NSW Government will monitor the safety and traffic impacts of the rule over a 12-month trial period in consultation with NSW Police, emergency service organisations and other stakeholders.

The rule applies to vehicles travelling in both directions, unless the road is divided by a median strip.

Motorists who do not comply with the rule will face a $448 fine and three demerit points.

Police, firefighters, ambulance officers, State Emergency Service and rescue volunteers perform difficult and dangerous work for the community.

Just like everyone doing their job, they should feel safe and know that they are protected at work.

Captain Dennis Peters, of Raymond Terrace Fire & Rescue NSW, told News Of The Area, “We hope to get as much space as we can, to get the job done without having any more injuries to emergency service workers or the public.”

“These rules will give all emergency workers, including our Fire & Rescue NSW personnel, extra protection, and confidence that they can go to work and at the end of the day, get home safely to their families.”