The amendment to the Motor Vehicle Act will help protect emergency workers by requiring drivers to slow down when passing stopped emergency vehicles on the highway.

Under legislation introduced today, drivers will be prohibited from driving faster than 60 kilometres an hour when passing an emergency vehicle.

The legislation was originally introduced as a private member's bill in 2006 but never passed.

Fines for offences will range from $337 to $2,407, depending on the speed of the vehicle.