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Insurer RACQ has warned the Queensland government against adopting New South Wales' SLOMO laws, saying they were too complicated for drivers, focused too much on speed, and did not offer proper protection for emergency services and roadside workers.
During a year-long trial starting in September, NSW drivers travelling in a 70 km/h zone would have to slow down to 40 km/h when passing stationary emergency vehicles with flashing lights, and travel at 60 km/h when driving in a 100 km/h zone.
“The New South Wales government’s heart is in the right place, but it has got it wrong,” RACQ spokesperson Paul Turner said. “The key focus has to be on getting drivers to move over when they see an incident, creating a safer space. While how fast a car is travelling is important, it’s about us as motorists taking care and consideration and moving out of the lane closest to an incident and then slowing down.”
Turner also said the Queensland government should not just consider emergency workers within the new rules.
“We should be considering all those who work in a high-speed road environment, including roadside assistance workers and tow truck providers,” he said. “RACQ roadside and highway clearance officers experience near-misses every day, providing protection and assistance to those who have been left stranded and vulnerable. This is a real opportunity for the Queensland government to lead the way and get the emphasis right by looking at creating more space for emergency services and roadside workers to do their jobs and focus on moving cars over rather than just slowing them down.”
