Drivers could face $961 fine after changes to road rule passes

Cobram Panel Works owner Mark Haberfield welcomed the announcement, saying that it would make a big difference to his and his employees’ safety when responding to a vehicle breakdown or incident.

“When we’re on scene, and we’ve got cars going past, doing 100, sometimes 110, depending on where we are, you know, it’s very dangerous,” he said.

“It gives operators like myself and my staff who are putting themselves in a vulnerable position a little more protection, which is ultimately what we’re after in a safe working space.”

Previously, only police vehicles, emergency vehicles, enforcement vehicles and VicRoads Incident Response Service vehicles were covered by the road rule.

Mr Haberfield said the changes were a long time coming.

“It’s been long overdue for tow operators and breakdown assistance operators across the sector,” he said.

RACV General Manager of Automotive Services Makarla Cole said RACV was pleased with Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne’s announcement that Victorians would soon slow down when passing any incident response vehicle, including RACV patrol vans.

“Victoria's emergency roadside workers and tow truck drivers are often the first and only responders to an incident or breakdown and are exposed to the same risks to other responders, such as police and paramedics,” she said.

“I am sure every driver who has needed the help of an emergency roadside assistance worker or tow truck driver will be pleased to know that the Victorian Government is now protecting these essential responders in their workplace, and their customers.”

The changes come into effect from July 1 this year, and bring Victoria in line with other Australian states.