Ambulances and fire engines on the Gold Coast in Queensland are to trial a device which will change traffic lights to give them priority.
From November, they will have devices which alert traffic lights to their presence and adjust to give them a quicker journey.
"Every second matters in an emergency, and ... this ... could save many lives," said Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said on Saturday.
AAP reports a trial of similar devices in Bundaberg four years ago showed emergency vehicles were able to save up to 20% of their travel times.
