Slow Past Tow And Roadside Assistance Vehicles Becomes Law

Motorists driving past towing and roadside assistance vehicles with amber flashing lights will now be required to slow to 25 km/h after new laws passed the South Australian Parliament.

Following an ongoing campaign by the Motor Trade Association SA/NT (MTA) to successive governments, the State Government has accepted reforms that sees towing and roadside assistance operators treated the same as police and emergency services.

MTA Board member and Chair of the Towing Services Division, John Hitchcock of Dial A Tow, spearheaded industry calls and said the changes were a long time coming. “For too long towing operators, drivers and roadside assistance services have been put in harm's way.”

“They are simply trying to do their job and they deserve a safe working environment, Mr Hitchcock said.

The laws bring South Australia into line with New South Wales,

Western Australia, Queensland and Tasmania.

“I am pleased to see these laws pass Parliament, and bring South Australia in line with other states.” said MTA CEO Darrell Jacobs.

Mr Jacobs was proud of the outcome of the campaign, “We owed it to our industry members who have fought for these important protections. With road trauma still a problem in South Australia, I am glad that the Parliament has passed these laws.”