All vehicles in NSW with an alternative power source are now required by law to display a safety label to assist emergency services workers attending motor vehicle accidents.
Announced by the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott the labels will identify vehicles with electric, hybrid or hydrogen power sources, making clear to firefighters, police and other first responders know what type of vehicle they’re dealing with.
“Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters responded to more than 3,200 vehicle fires in 2018-19,” Mr Elliott said.
“Firefighters, police and other first responders including Volunteer Rescue Association members put their lives on the line every day to keep the community safe, and they deserve every assurance we can provide to keep them safe,” he said.
Mr Elliott said safety labels had been sent to more than 11,800 owners of vehicles manufactured after 1 January 2019, as per nationally agreed updates to the Australian Light Vehicle Standards.
Minister for Transport, Andrew Constance said a further 35,000 labels had also been distributed for vehicles built before 2019 to ensure all alternative power source vehicles in NSW were clearly identified
NSW Fire and Rescue Commissioner Paul Baxter said it was vital firefighters could quickly identify the fuel source of a vehicle involved in a crash, so they could respond safely and effectively.
“Vehicle fires involving these types of fuel sources differ dramatically from a standard petrol or diesel vehicle, which can put first responders at risk,” he said.
“Being able to identify the fuel type quickly will make a big difference in keeping our first responders safe,” Commissioner Baxter said.
