New road rescue changes for NSW drivers

NSW drivers involved in minor crashes and accidents will no longer need to wait for police assistance in changes to be introduced next week.

Police will now only report to scenes where there is a fatality, someone is injured or trapped, drivers are intoxicated, or the parties involved fail to exchange details. Previously, police needed to be called if a vehicle involved required towing.

Motorists won't need to report minor collisions to police either, not even for insurance purposes.

The measures, aimed at slashing red tape, encourage motorists to organise their own tow back.

Once vehicles are towed, drivers need to report the incident to incident hotline, Police Assistance Line 131 444.

"The new streamlined process is about cutting back red tape and diverting police resources into broader road safety initiatives and other investigations," said the Assistant Commissioner John Hartley on Wednesday.

Police will still report to the scene to assist with towing heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses, or if a driver has no towing options.

They will also be around to assist with traffic management and road hazards.

The changes will apply from Wednesday October 15.

WHAT TO DO IN A MINOR ROADSIDE CRASH

- Contact your insurer or a towing company to tow your vehicle (if necessary)

- Exchange details with the other driver

- Leave the crash site

- If any vehicles have been towed, report to the Police Assistance Line 131 444