Road freight peak body Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand has welcomed the Government’s release of targeted actions to improve road safety, focussing on road policing and enforcement and safer roading infrastructure. Minister Simeon Brown today announced four key actions to improve safety outcomes: 

Increased alcohol breath testing and introducing roadside drug testing. Reviewing penalties for traffic offences. Identifying opportunities to improve the driver licensing system. Building and maintaining our road network to a safe standard.

Transporting New Zealand Board Member and freight company general manager Scott Johnstone says that the Government’s announcement shows it is prioritising action to improve the safety of New Zealanders. 

“Cracking down on alcohol and drug impairment on the roads is essential to reducing deaths and injuries on our roads. 48.4 percent of fatal crashes involving driver alcohol/drugs as a contributing factor in 2022.”  

“The road freight industry sees the terrible impact of these crashes up close, so we’re highly supportive of increasing the number of alcohol breath tests, enabling roadside drug testing, and higher visibility policing of all road users.”  

Johnstone is also particularly supportive of the Government’s commitment to building safer, modern roads, including through the Roads of National Significance and Roads of Regional Significance programmes.

“We know that newer roads are safer for all motorists. A 2023 Study by the AA Research Foundation found that eight new stretches of highway or expressway around the country had resulted in a 37 percent reduction in deaths and serious injuries.  

“Projects like Ōtaki to north of Levin Highway in Greater Wellington, Manawatū Tararua Highway, and Belfast to Pegasus motorway in Canterbury will substantially improve safety, as well as efficiency.”  

“As a general manager, I will feel a lot better knowing that our drivers and their families are operating on safer, modern roads with effective policing of alcohol and drug impaired drivers.”