RFSA Welcomes Road Rule Changes
The NSW Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA) has welcomed today’s announcement that NSW Road Rules will be updated to remove doubts about the ability of RFS vehicles to use U-turn bays on major roads.
“This change will open the way for RFS vehicles to once again make use of U-turn bays on major roads, which will speed up our response to emergency incidents,” RFSA President Scott Campbell said.
“Changes to confirm the ability of RFS vehicles to use U-turn bays on major roads have been a long time coming. This is the culmination of significant effort not only from the RFSA, but also our Minister Steph Cooke and Commissioner Rogers.
“Our members are looking forward to once again using these facilities to ensure the fastest possible response to emergencies on major roads,” Mr Campbell said.
RFS members were directed to cease using U-turn and crossover bays on major (divided) roads in 2016, following concerns about the legal position of volunteers who used them.
RFS Brigades are often dispatched to fires and motor vehicle accidents on major roads, and members have been frustrated by the delays caused by proceeding to the next exit to turn around when there’s an emergency on the other side of the road.
This change to the Road Rules will remove any doubt about the ability of RFS vehicles to turn around at locations with “no U-turn” and “emergency vehicles excepted” signage.
Changes to the Road Rules are expected to take effect in the coming weeks, in line with the government’s announcement.