Incident Response Service

The Incident Response Service (IRS) responds to on-road incidents that affect the flow of traffic. This includes crashes, vehicle breakdowns and debris on the road.

IRS assist police and emergency services with safe and timely management of incidents, including setting up signage and managing traffic flow around the scene.

Once the emergency services have left the scene the IRS assist with clearing debris and re-opening lanes to get traffic moving again as quickly as possible.

By responding quickly, IRS reduces traffic congestion and the risk of follow-on incidents.

If your car breaks down on the network and is affecting traffic flow, we will tow it out of the way to get traffic moving again.

Where necessary we will also move vehicles that are illegally blocking traffic.

Where does IRS operate?

IRS operates across Melbourne's transport network attending to any transport incidents. 

How does IRS know if there is an incident?

Incidents are identified by IRS actively patrolling the network as well as the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) and the Traffic Management Centre (TMC) using cameras and traffic detectors. Information is also sourced from emergency services and the public.

DTP provides information about incidents to the media for traffic reports.

How to contact the IRS

If you see or are involved in an incident blocking traffic flow on a major road in Melbourne, please report it to the TMC on 13 11 70 (24 hours, 7 days a week).

IRS is not a roadside assist or towing service and doesn't provide towing services or mechanical repairs to vehicles.

If you breakdown or crash

• Find a safe spot to pull over such as an emergency lane, otherwise to the side of the road.
• Turn your hazard lights on and activate your headlights in poor light. 
• Call the emergency services or roadside assistance if required (remember the rules about mobile phones and driving). 
• Call 13 11 70 or use a freeway help phone if you cannot move your vehicle off the road and it is blocking traffic.
• Only get out of your vehicle if it is safe to do so and from the passenger side if possible. Make sure you check for traffic first. If it is not safe to leave, stay in your vehicle.
• Never try to cross a major or busy road on foot.
• Stand as far from the road as possible (and behind any safety barriers if present) when waiting or exchanging details, never in-between or beside vehicles close to moving traffic.
• Always wear your seatbelt when waiting for help in your car.

Feedback

Feedback on the service can be provided to DTP by calling 13 37 78.