Drink Driving Bill Supported By All Parties

A bill lowering the drink driving limit has been sent to a select committee for consideration.

Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee said the This will be followed by the first reading debate on the Land Transport Amendment Bill.
sought to address the harm caused by drunk driving.

The Bill lowers the adults legal alcohol limits from 400 micrograms (mcg) of alcohol per litre of breath to 250mcg, and from 80 milligrams (mg) of alcohol per 100 Millilitres (ml) of blood to 50mg.

Brownlee said the bill would create an infringement offence for those who fall between the old and new levels with fines and demerit points, the Govt was taking action after carefully considering advice.

It was estimated an average of 3.4 lives would be saved a year.

There was less acceptance of drink driving in society and the new law would create another deterrent without criminalising behaviour which until now was legal.

Labour’s Iain Lees-Galloway said the party would support the bill and it was surprising the Government had not acted earlier when advised by police to lower the limits.

Labour had a bill on the subject drawn from the ballot and the Government had done nothing until this happened.

The bill was sent to the Transport and industrial relations committee for consideration on a voice vote.

Earlier the Appropriation (2012/13 Financial Review) Bill was given its first reading by 63 to 56 with National, Maori Party, ACT and United Future in support.

MPs began the first reading debate of the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill (No 4).

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