27 March 2007

Was It Supposed To Be This Easy?

The number of limited licences being granted by the courts suggests the application process is nothing short of an exercise in rubber stamping, says New Zealand law and order spokesperson Ron Mark.

Figures released by the Minister for Courts in response to written questions show that for the each of the last three years, only 1 percent of applications for limited licences considered were turned down. Limited licences are available to people disqualified or suspended from driving for offences such as dangerous driving, drink driving and multiple speeding offences.

“These figures show the issuing of limited licences to people disqualified or suspended from driving is essentially a rubber stamping exercise by the courts,” said Mr Mark.

“While the decision to grant limited licences is made by judges, it cannot have been the intention of the legislation for 99 percent of applications to be granted. If the Government is as serious as it says it is about road safety, it must address the apparent ease at which these licences are being granted.

“The Government must also investigate the increasing number of companies who are specialising in the ‘get your licence back’ industry. A website of one such company I have seen actually claimed it could ‘find’ hardship for their clients that could be characterised as extreme for the purposes of qualifying under the criteria.

“Surely, except under rare cases of genuine and extreme hardship, a disqualification or suspension from driving should mean exactly that,” concluded Mr Mark.

ENDS

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