Tasmania expands rules to protect roadside assistance workers

The Tasmanian Government has announced it will expand its road rule requiring vehicles to slow down to 40 km/h when passing emergency vehicles like police, fire and ambulances to now also include roadside assistance vehicles with flashing yellow lights.

This will mean workers conducting call-out or breakdown assistance, towing, battery replacement and other on-road support services will now also be afforded greater protection from risks posed by fast-moving vehicles.

Tasmania’s Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Hon. Michael Ferguson MP used National Road Safety week to announce the new rule will come into effect from 1 August 2022.

In the lead up to the change, the Tasmanian Government will also undertake a public education campaign to ensure that all road users are aware of their obligations under the new rule.