Auckland firefighters have been warned not to drive too fast when rushing to emergencies.
According to Fire and Emergency NZ policy, firefighters are allowed to drive up to 105km/h. But the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union is worried about the rule, saying the tyres on the fire trucks aren't designed to go more than 100km/h, reports NZME.
"As the FENZ Response Driving Policy allows for speeds up to 105km/h, J-rated tyres are not fit-for-purpose when fitted to a fire appliance," the Auckland branch said on its website.
"A driver involved in a crash at over 100km/h, if they survived, would have no defence if the vehicle was exceeding the speed rating of the tyre."
The warning also detailed potential defects with unrepaired fire appliances.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand fire region 1 manager Kerry Gregory said the tyres were safe because it was unlikely firefighters would drive faster than 100km/h.
"The advice we have received from both the tyre manufacturer and the supplier is that the J-rated GiTi tyres are safe for use on our appliances," told NZME.
"However, we want our personnel to feel safe, as well as to be safe. Therefore I have issued a notice informing staff that there are no circumstances in which I expect our appliances to be driven at speeds greater than 100km/h should drivers feel unsure about safety."
Mr Gregory met with union representatives and agreed not to fit the 100km/h rated-tyres to any new trucks.
Newshub.
