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Archived Press Releases 2007 18th September 2007

GOVERNMENT IGNORES DRINK DRIVING CARNAGE

(18th September 2007)

The hard targets are being ignored – it doesn’t add up!!

The Sensible Sentencing Trust is somewhat puzzled at the Governments sudden targeting of young drivers, while it has totally ignored calls to remove repeat impaired drivers from our roads.

"While it is good that Helen Clark is finally talking about road safety, it is sad that she has overlooked the group of individuals who are most likely to kill others, that is, repeat drunk and drugged drivers."

“Why are repeat drunk drivers with well over 10 convictions allowed to freely drink and drive and roam our roads, while the government is suggesting zero tolerance of alcohol for young people who have no history of being a public nuisance?”

“The Governments mixed messages do not sit well. On one hand we have strong targeting, and zero tolerance of young drivers, on the other they are saying business as usual for repeat impaired drivers."

“The public has made it clear that they do not want to share the road with repeat drunk and drugged drivers, but the government has done nothing significant to stop them."

“For example, the Minister of Transport Safety recently told the nation that he is not interested in the introduction of alcohol interlocking devices for repeat drunk drivers, or changing the law so drink drivers that kill can be charged with manslaughter (most are charged with excess alcohol causing death)."

"Yet at the same time Helen Clark is taking a very keen and indiscriminate interest in young drivers with no previous convictions.”

Megan McPherson
Sensible Sentencing Trust impaired driving spokesperson
megan_andrew@clear.net.nz
Ph 03-4560350
Ph 029-3323-284
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