Action on road safety
The government has unveiled targeted actions to improve road safety that are focused on increasing road policing and enforcement.
They also target the highest contributing factors to fatal crashes, and aim to deliver new and safe roading infrastructure.
Measures announced by Simeon Brown, Minister of Transport, in addition to reviewing penalties for traffic offences, include:
• Building and maintaining the road network to a safe standard.
• Identifying opportunities to improve the driver-licensing system.
• Increased alcohol breath-testing and introducing roadside testing for drugs.
“Motorists and freight should be able to travel around our network quickly and safely,” says Brown, pictured. “Improving road safety is a priority to keep Kiwis safe and increase productivity to improve outcomes for all New Zealanders.”
The road-safety objectives build on the government policy statement on land transport 2024, and outline actions over the next three years to target the highest contributors to deaths and serious injuries.
Brown says: “Alcohol and drugs are the highest contributing factor to fatal crashes on our roads. That’s why we have set targets to ensure the police are focused on the most high-risk times, behaviours and locations to crack down on this.
“Over 850,000 more alcohol breath tests were undertaken on our roads in 2023/24 compared to the previous year, saving 37 lives. We know alcohol breath and drug testing are effective at saving lives.
“We all have a part to play in improving road safety. While we are prioritising policing and enforcement, road users also need to take personal responsibility for their actions.
“That’s why this plan includes reviewing penalties for traffic offences to ensure they reflect the seriousness of putting other drivers at risk, and identifying opportunities to improve the driver-licence system.”
Building new roads of national significance and increasing road maintenance through a proactive approach will also achieve a safer network, says Brown.
