Emergency service workers in the Hunter are welcoming a new statewide rule that will require drivers to slow to 40 kilometres per hour when passing them on the roadside.
Police cars, ambulances, fire trucks and SES vehicles are subject to the rule when they have their lights flashing.
The rule aims to increase safety, following an incident in February where two highway patrol officers were struck by a speeding vehicle in Campbelltown.
The new rule will be trialled for twelve months, beginning in September.
Acting President of the Police Association Tony King says this is a smart move by the state government.
"Traffic slowing down to 40 kilometres per hour when police and other emergency services are on the roads with their lights flashing means safety," he says.
"We need to thank the government for introducing common-sense legislation like this that does enhance the safety of our members on our roads and for that matter, other road users as well."
"We really hope that the community out there and other road users will see this as a way to keep everyone safe."
