Common Sense on Foreign Drivers Won’t Affect Tourism
Common Sense on Foreign Drivers Won’t Affect Tourism Numbers
Common sense on foreign drivers will not hit tourism numbers, says New Zealand First.
“We are getting hung up on international agreements when tourists would probably welcome a local briefing on driving in New Zealand, I know I would,” says New Zealand First Tourism Spokesperson Fletcher Tabuteau.
“It is common sense to introduce competency tests for overseas licensed drivers and a rest period too.
“Arguments over international agreements are an easy excuse to do nothing -- something this government is fast turning into an art form.
“Overseas visitors need to know that our roads are unusual and they may come across livestock and one-way bridges.
“We have to stop visitors flying in from Europe, or elsewhere, jumping in a car or campervan and driving long distances. The idea of a mandatory stand down for visitors off long-haul flights is a good one.
“Hire vehicles should have accident prevention technology that is useable.
“For example, Lane Departure Warning warns drivers if they stray from a lane or cross the centreline. Blind Spot Warning warns the driver of vehicles in their blind spot while Autonomous Emergency Braking will massively cut the severity of any collision.
“These are not magic bullets, but taken together, they would help to make our roads safer for tourists and Kiwis alike,” says Mr Tabuteau.
ENDS