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An attempt to lower legal blood alcohol levels for drivers and introduce hidden speed cameras has been abandoned after Transport Minister Paul Swain failed to get enough support for the move.
Swain had hoped to cut the legal blood alcohol level from 80 milligrams to 50 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood - a move that he claimed would save 14 lives each year.
But on Tuesday, facing opposition from cabinet colleagues and the public, he admitted defeat.
"It is clear from work that's been done, that there is not widespread support in the community for this measure," Swain said.
The latest ONE News Colmar Brunton Poll has the public split on the issue of lowering the blood alcohol limit with 47% supporting it and 50% against.
With the issue of blood alcohol limits removed, the main focus of the government's new road safety package is targeted at high-risk offenders.
Now, if drivers are caught speeding 40km/h over the limit they will lose their licences for 28 days and repeat drink driving offenders face immediate four-week licence and vehicle suspensions.
Another new initiative is the possible introduction of tests for drugs like marijuana, which could be brought in next year.
The Colmar Brunton poll shows strong support for the move - with 79% in favour and only 18% opposed.
But Swain says the government must make sure the technology is right before introducing marijuana testing.
"At the moment it's just not easy to get a simple breath test like it is with alcohol," he says.
The final change drivers can expect this summer is more speed cameras - even if they won't be hidden as Swain had proposed.
However, the Automobile Association's George Fairbairn is questioning such high use of the cameras, saying they should only be in high-risk areas.
"That would be of concern to the public, otherwise the question will be asked as has already been asked, 'Are they just there for revenue purposes alone?"
