-
Watch Video
-
Related
Major changes to New Zealand road rules could be on the way in a
bid to make our roads safer.
Raising the driving age to 17 and reducing the alcohol limit for
driving is being considered by the government in a new
report.
Transport Minister Steven Joyce released the
Safer Journeys discussion document which puts forward more than
60 suggestions of changes to laws, regulations and policies to
reduce the road toll.
"I think the road toll in this country is too high, I know a lot of people think that. So yes I think we are going to have some initiatives," says Transport Minister Steven Joyce.
One of those suggestions is to lift the driving age from 15 to 17 and extend the time on a learner licence from six months to a year.
The minister says it is an idea worth looking at.
"There is quite a lot of evidence now that the most dangerous perios for young drivers irrespective of when they start is when they drive solo. And I think we have some work to do to reduce the disproportionate amount of particularly 15 to 24 year olds that die on our roads," says Joyce.
Another suggestion is reducing the blood alcohol limit from 80
milligrams per 100 milligrams of blood to 50 milligrams.
There could also be a zero blood alcohol limit for those under 20
years of age and recidivist offenders.
Experts say that would curb the alarming rates of drink driving.
"Clearly alcohol and driving is a major factor in a lot of the accidents and fatalities that occur in New Zealand," says Deputy Commissioner of Police, Rob Pope.
Proposals to reduce speed include more speed cameras, tougher penalties and more varied speed zones on high risk rural roads, as well as lower speed limits in urban areas have also been suggested.
Joyce says it is not his intention to implement all the ideas.
"The purpose of this review is to have a public debate about which are the most likely to make an impact and the most necessary to adopt," Joyce says.
Public consultation closes on October 2.
