Queensland’s Acting Premier Paul Lucas said the new traffic signal management technology was being piloted in Bundaberg to provide fire-fighters and ambulances with the safest and quickest route to get to an incident.

“The technology trial will involve testing software that can turn traffic signals green as an emergency vehicle approaches an intersection, resulting in fewer delays for the vehicles,” Mr Lucas said.

To assess the effectiveness of the technology in reducing transit times, the trial will see a total of 11 traffic signals in Bundaberg fitted with the software to give emergency vehicles priority service.

The technology will then be rolled out to other cities depending on the results.

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said increasing amounts of congestions and higher traffic volumes are hindering emergency services vehicles from efficient route navigation.
 
“This trial will let us know if this new technology has the ability to save some of the time that is spent waiting for traffic to move out of the path of fire and ambulance vehicles,” Mr Roberts said.

“In an emergency, time is crucial and every minute counts.” 

Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said it was crucial motorists were aware of this pilot program and continued to abide by the road rules related to emergency vehicles and traffic signals.

“Everyone must continue to follow the traffic signals as they normally do, but be aware the operation of the signals could change from their usual patterns to allow emergency vehicles to progress through an intersection quickly.

“Safety on our roads is everyone’s concern. We ask that road users please tack care at all times,” said Mr Pitt.