Drivers are ignoring the rules and continuing to put emergency workers in danger.
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That is the message from police, who plan to crack down on drivers speeding past emergency vehicles.
Laws were introduced in 2019, making it an offence to drive past an emergency services vehicle parked on the side of the road with lights flashing or a siren sounding, faster than 40km/h.
Despite this, drivers continue to speed past police cars, fire trucks and ambulances. While police have mostly issued cautions since the rules came in, Acting Inspector Jason Jones said this was due to officers at the scene being "actively involved in an emergency incident" and unable to intercept the drivers.
"It is clear that not all drivers in the state are abiding by the new rule, and this is placing emergency services workers in danger," Acting Inspector Jones said.
"Therefore enforcement strategies are going to be implemented over the next few weeks in the Northern District to enforce the new rule."
Those caught driving more than 10km/h above the 40km/h limit face a $126 fine and two demerit points, while drivers travelling 15 to 22 km/h above will receive a $168 fine and three demerit points, those 23 to 29 km/h over will cop a $294 fine and three points, and drivers travelling 30km/h above the limit will result in five demerit points and a $504 fine.
Speeds 38km/h over could result in a three-month loss of license, six demerit points, a $714. Vehicles may be clamped or confiscated when a driver is caught at 45km/h above the reduced limit.
The move by police to further target those speeding past emergency workers has been supported by Road Safety Advisory Council chairman Garry Bailey who said it was "foolhardy, selfish and dangerous" behaviour.
"It is putting people's lives at risk, people who are working to make our roads safer," he said.
"It is extraordinary that people ignore the risk. Sadly, enforcement is sometimes the only way to get the message across."
