Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne is encouraging the government to develop a proactive roadside drug testing regime that would allow appropriate drug testing at the roadside to help improve safety on the region’s and New Zealand’s roads.

“We know that drugs and alcohol have been a contributing factor in a significant number of crashes on Tasman District roads over the past year. I expect this is similar throughout the country. I don’t see why a proactive drug testing should be treated any differently to random alcohol tests, which are commonly used to deter drink driving and remove drunk drivers from the road before they can cause an accident.”

Richard said his thoughts were with the friends and family of those involved in the most recent crash on State Highway 60 over the weekend.

“There are a suite of measures we need to take to reduce both the risk of crashes and the harm caused when they do take place. Reduced speed limits, as planned for SH60, road layout improvements and random drug and alcohol testing can all contribute to making our journeys safer.”

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