Changes to slow down rule begin tomorrow

From 26 September:
• Drivers will no longer need to slow down to 40km/h on roads with speed limits of 90km/h or over;
• Drivers will continue to be required to slow down to 40km/h on roads with speed limits of 80km/h or under; and
• The rule will be expanded to include tow trucks and breakdown assistance vehicles which are displaying yellow flashing lights while stopped on the road.
On roads with speed limits of 90km/h or over drivers will need to:
• Slow to a speed which is safe and reasonable for the circumstances;
• Give sufficient space between their vehicle and the tow truck, breakdown assistance or emergency vehicle, as well as any people on the road; and
• On multi-lane roads drivers must change lanes to keep the lane next to the stationary vehicle vacant if it is safe to do so.
Bernard Carlon, Executive Director of the Centre for Road Safety said the changes to the rule aim to help keep all road users safe.
“The changes to the rule are the result of feedback from the public and stakeholders during the initial trial,” Mr Carlon said.
“These changes enhance safety on higher speed roads where greater time and distance is needed to safely reduce speed.
“We want every road user to feel safe on NSW roads – including those working on the roadside, the people they are helping and those who are slowing down as they pass these stopped vehicles,” Mr Carlon said.
For more details about the rule visit https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/campaigns/slow-down-and-give-space/index.html