Scott Simpson
MP for Coromandel

Media Release
November 15, 2012

MP’s first Bill gets overwhelming support

Coromandel MP Scott Simpson’s first Members Bill received overwhelming support when it came before Parliament yesterday (Wednesday, November 14).

The Bill aims to close a legal loophole which allows a very small number of drink drivers to evade prosecution. It passed its first reading on a vote of 105 votes to 15 and will now go to Land Transport and Industrial Relations Select Committee for further consideration including a period of public submissions.

It is expected to return for second reading around about May next year.

Mr Simpson said he was delighted with the result and thanked both the Government and opposition MPs for their support.

“It’s a small change but it’s an important one. Under the current law, once a person chooses to have a blood sample taken, their breath test becomes inadmissible – even if the person for whatever reason is unable to provide the blood sample. This amendment will allow that breath test to be used in such cases meaning a prosecution can still proceed.”

“Circumstances where breath tests are admissible in evidence need to be widened to ensure we are doing everything we can to prosecute those people who choose to drink and drive. Police will still have to build a case to the satisfaction of a judge in order to secure a conviction.”

Only the Greens and Mana Party opposed the Bill. More information on the Land Transport (Admissibility of Evidential Breath Tests) Amendment Bill is available at www.legislation.govt.nz

ENDS

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