New technology gives emergency vehicles the green light

Emergency services vehicles are getting a clearer run to urgent jobs thanks to new traffic light technology being trialled on the Gold Coast.

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Jack Dempsey said the Emergency Vehicle Priority (EVP) project allows crews to reach house fires, car crashes and other emergencies more quickly and safely – without having to navigate their way through red lights at intersections.

“This technology is a perfect demonstration of how the Newman Government is revitalising frontline services for the benefit of Queenslanders,” Mr Dempsey said.

“It allows for the lights and sirens on an emergency vehicle to be recognised at traffic light intersections.

“As the vehicle approaches an automated system triggers the lights to change and allows the emergency vehicle to proceed through a green light.

“Not only will it decrease response times, it also means emergency service workers no longer have to put their own lives on the line trying to navigate their way through red lights when other traffic can be coming from another direction.”

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Scott Emerson said while the technology was being used in Melbourne and Sydney, Queensland’s trial takes the concept even further.

“The Queensland system is designed to minimise the disruption to traffic and seeks to return to normal traffic conditions as quickly as possible after the emergency vehicle has passed,” Mr Emerson said.

“This is important technology that will improve safety for all road users but it’s important to remember drivers must always give way to emergency vehicles if they approach under lights and sirens.”

Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said 10 Queensland Ambulance Service vehicles were also part of the trial and were benefiting from green lights at 52 intersections in the Southport area.

“This technology is ensuring our paramedics reach their patients in the quickest possible time and is another example of how this government is improving Queensland’s health system,” he said.

“So far, this trial has been very successful and there are plans to expand the project to reach more areas in the coming months.”

[ENDS] 20 March 2014

Media Contact: Andrew Blow 0408 912 821