Rt Hon Winston Peters

New Zealand First Leader

Member of Parliament for Northland
28 MAY 2016

Foreign Drivers: Rental Car Companies Must Take Responsibility

New Zealand First believes rental car companies should take responsibility to ensure people hiring their vehicles are competent.

“The families of the two women killed in a crash near Kerikeri have shown huge compassion to the American driver who pleaded guilty,” says New Zealand First Leader and MP for Northland Rt Hon Winston Peters.

“The court has taken that into account and he got off lightly at sentencing in Kaikohe today – having only to pay about $24,000 in reparation.

“The government must act quickly to stop tourist driver crashes.

“In this case the visitor hired a rental car immediately on arrival, and headed off, driving on the left-hand side which he would not necessarily be familiar with. He also says he has suspected brain tumours. Surely a rental car company, adhering to a law requiring a duty of care would not have allowed him out of the driveway.

“There is no merit in the argument that foreign drivers only cause a smaller percentage of crashes – tell that to the grieving families whose loved ones have been killed or seriously injured.

“This is not about the size of percentages, it is about people’s lives.

“New Zealand First’s Land Transport (Tourist Driver Rental Vehicle) Amendment Bill is awaiting introduction into Parliament.

“It would put responsibility on rental car companies, and require certain safety technologies in vehicles.

“The government should take the bill up immediately to prevent further deaths and injuries and suffering for families who have to cope with a tragedy,” says Mr Peters.

ENDS

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