WA Radio Scanner Users' Group

vk6hgr wrote:Its interesting that in some US states, volunteer firefighters etc are allowed to put red and blues on their own personal vehicles! I think that's going too far

If it gets you to the incident 5 minutes earlier..

vk6hgr wrote:Its interesting that in some US states, volunteer firefighters etc are allowed to put red and blues on their own personal vehicles!

Some vollies in this state have red/blue lights and sirens on their private vehicles. Comes down to the role you perform and approval from DPI.

Whilst working at the Hopman Cup at Burswood i spotted this vehicle parked outside. RLSSA were providing the First Aid for the event.

This is now the second, at least, RLSSA First Aid vehicle (not Ambulance) to be fitted with red & blues (different rego to the vehicle pictured above). Have they got special permission??

I guess you'd need to ask them or DPI.

Looking at the plate it may have only just recently gotten a new rego? Wonder if the pod and lights were fitted at that time?

Do they have permission

The simple answer is no it needs to be labeled as an "Ambulance" with those markings not first aid.

When licensing a vehicle as pictured above they do not ask if you have permission or proof off registered emergency vehicle status. Its up to the DPI to either question them and/or WA Police to put a nice canary for not complying with the road traffic act.

On the rego papers there is a box going Ambulance use 0 to 100%
(First aid is not an ambulance as such so the useage would be 0%)

If they drive with the beacons and sirens or just beacons on have an accident they are simply not covered by the act nor would insurance.

Must really grind SJA Ops that WASLS can have red n blues but they cant.

Guidelines for fitting and operation of warning lamps.

http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/mediaFiles/lic_vsb13.pdf

This is going around in circles and the guidelines are just that. DPI can give permission for any vehicle to be treated as an emergency vehicle.

Regardless, if you have issue with it make a complaint or ring them up and tell them they could get themselves in grief if they dont have permission. Pretty simple!

And remember.. they ARE a not-for-profit organisation.

On a different track - I've heard that SLS now have an MOU with FESA.

Whats a MOU ?

An MOU is a TLA meaning Memorandum Of Understanding.

Just a clarification. Just done my homework - FESA have taken responsibility for "...administering the service level agreement for Surf Life Saving Western Australia's rescue operations..." I don't think RLSWA are the same as SLSWA. Apologies for the confusion.

Hi All

In 1995, the Ford Longreach was introduced in small numbers into regional & metro areas of Victoria as a lightweight transport vehicle unsuccessfully offering an alternative to the Holden VR Commodore. Most had the back bending and where taken off the road in VIC in 1996.

Regards Glen