Bundaberg clears path for emergency service vehicles

Bundaberg families will be treated quicker during a crisis, with traffic lights switching on to the new Emergency Vehicle Priority system.

Police, Fire and Emergency Services Minister and Member for Bundaberg Jack Dempsey said traffic lights at 32 intersections in the city had been upgraded, with seven fire trucks and 13 ambulances from Bundaberg and surrounds having the program installed.

“We promised to revitalise frontline services and we are delivering, with emergency vehicles now given priority treatment when approaching an intersection,” Mr Dempsey said.

“This not only ensures a safer trip, but will mean an ambulance can get to our families quicker if someone is sick or injured or emergency vehicles can respond to a fire quicker, if needed.

“As a fire truck or ambulance approaches these intersections, the system automatically interrupts normal traffic signals to give the vehicle a green light, returning to normal once the vehicle has passed.

“Labor ran out of ideas and has no plan to improve emergency services, but this Australian first is part of our strong plan that is creating a brighter future.

“Work is already underway to further roll out this system across Queensland later in the year, creating safer streets.”

Mr Dempsey said that since the system was activated on the Gold Coast in 2012, traffic lights at more than 160 intersections had been upgraded, with the number continuing to rise.

“The pilot program on the Gold Coast reported a 10 to 20 per cent improvement in travel time for emergency vehicles,” he said.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the program was the first of its kind in Australia and unique in its capability to minimise disruption to the flow of traffic.

“While this system has already demonstrated a reduction in travel times, its success is also heavily dependent on all road users being courteous to emergency vehicles, especially when they are approaching intersections,” Mr Emerson said.

“All drivers play an important role in allowing emergency vehicles to reach their destination quickly and safely.”

The system is being developed in conjunction with Queensland company Transmax and is jointly funded by the Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and the Queensland Ambulance Service.

[ENDS] 11 July 2014

Media Contact: Andrew Kos 0408 912 821