Guy welcomes new road safety moves
Otaki MP and Associate Transport Minister Nathan Guy has welcomed the government’s next steps on road safety, launched at Parliament today.
“The Safer Journeys Action Plan 2011-12 builds on important work we’ve done over the last few years, and sets out an action plan for the next steps. These include:
• Investigating maximum time limits for learner and restricted licences.
• Strengthening motorcycle license testing.
• Researching the impact of drivers under the influence of drugs and ways to combat drug-impaired drivers.
• Further safety improvements on high risk roads in both urban and rural areas.
• Rebalancing speeding penalties in favour of demerit points, rather than fines.
• Encouraging the use of child restraints.
“We’ve already done a huge amount over the last three years, particularly targeted at alcohol and high risk drivers. We’ve raised the driving age from 15 to 16 (from 1 August), made the restricted test tougher, introduced a zero drink drive limit for young drivers and repeat offenders, and toughened penalties for drivers who cause death.
“We’ve seen our share of tragedies on the road around Kapiti and Horowhenua over the years. These changes will help make a difference, as will new roads and highways.
“It was great that head students from Waiopehu and Horowhenua Colleges attended the official launch. It’s very important we get the message on responsible driving through to young people, who sadly make up a major part of New Zealand’s road toll.
“At the end of the day, we all have responsibility for improving road safety.”
The Safer Journeys Action Plan was released at the global launch of the United Nations’ Decade of Action for Road Safety. New Zealand was the first country today to launch the Decade as part of a series of events in cities across the world.
The full action plan as well as questions and answers are available at www.saferjourneys.govt.nz.