Media Release

2 June 2004

Government Needs to Build Trust with Motorists

Concerns expressed by motorists about Police projections for an additional 100,000 infringement notices should ring warning bells in Government, according to AA Transport Policy General Manager Stephen Selwood.

"Motorists are telling us they are suspicious that this is a revenue-raising exercise rather than a road safety initiative, and this is not surprising as there is no evidence that fine revenue increases have been associated with road toll decreases. In fact, in recent years as fine revenue has increased so too has the road toll."

Mr Selwood suggested the Government had a prime opportunity to build trust with the motoring public by diverting all revenue from traffic fines into road safety.

"The Association believes the Government should 'get tough' on the small minority of serial offenders instead of increased ticketing rates which will affect the majority and risk alienating public support. "

Mr Selwood said the public would have less cynicism about the projected increase in traffic ticket revenue if the money was going to road safety, instead of going to the crown account.

"So long as there is no tangible progress on improving the nation's roads while taxes and penalties for motorists continually increase, Government runs the risk of losing credibility with New Zealand drivers." he said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media