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NRMA and police union call for controversial road rule to be scrapped over fears it could increase accidents

Representatives from the police union and the NRMA want to see a recently introduced road rule scrapped amid fears it could result in more accidents.

From September 1 last year, it became a legal requirement for NSW motorists to slow down to 40km/h to pass stationary police cars, fire trucks and ambulances with flashing lights.

Failure to do so results in a $448 fine and the loss of three licence demerit points.

The Slow Down, Move Over legislation is being trialled for 12 months in an attempt to protect emergency workers.

But now those who called for the rule want it abolished, especially on motorways, where the speed limit often exceeds 100km/hr.

Tony King, the Police Association of NSW president, believes following a model from the US where drivers slow down before moving into the next lane is a logical option.

'We need to create space between vehicles and workers and we need motorists to slow down around emergency and roadside assistance vehicles for the safety of everyone on the road,' he told the Daily Telegraph.

NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury also wants to see the road legislation thrown out, believing the policy is flawed.

'It defies the laws of physics to go from 110 (km/h) to 40 (km/hr) within a couple of metres,' he said.

'They need to introduce sensible measures to keep people who work on the side of the road safe.'

Steve Pearce, the NSW Motorcycle Council President went a step further, declaring deaths are 'inevitable' if the controversial law isn't changed.