Official review of Section 65 of the Land Transport Act 1998

**Genestho** · 7th July 2008, 16:51

Cabinet minutes have just come through and approved an official review into section 65 of Land Transport Act...

The email is from the person herself, who has undertaken the big job:

"Hi Jos

Thank you for your email.

As a result of recommendations from multi-agency work that was presented to Cabinet last week (2 July), the Ministry of Transport has been directed to undertake a comprehensive review of s65 of the Land Transport Act 1998, and to look at the possible use of alcohol interlocks in vehicles for repeat drink drivers in New Zealand. The Ministry of Transport will be leading this work and will take a multi-agency approach to it.

The scope of the review has not yet been agreed, but it is likely to incorporate looking at the information that is given to offenders about accessing treatment, and earlier intervention for first and second time drink drivers (although this is not covered by s65).

The Ministry has been asked to report back to Cabinet on this work by the end of September 2008.

Kind regards"

Direct dial: (04) 439 9000
E-mail:info@transport.govt.nz

Hey Ho - Lets Go..

**Qkchk:Me** · 7th July 2008, 16:54

Yes! Finally the govt isnt sittin on its hands and is actively doing something to prevent these dirtbags from getting on the road. Well done!

I know that the Queensland State has been using a similar tact for quite a while now.... Theres a multitude of info on them if you google 'Anti Drink Driving Devices'.

**Mom** · 7th July 2008, 16:59

Well done Jos! It must feel good to finally get some concrete results for all your hard work.

**BIHB@0610** · 7th July 2008, 16:59

WELL DONE SST, BADD and everyone who lobbied for this review!

Great to see that change can be effected by the unrelenting pursuit of common sense and decency. Here's hoping the review leads to some real change in the way the issue is dealt with.

**Genestho** · 8th July 2008, 10:21

Thanks guys!

This has definately been one helluva group effort!

Thanks to everybody that wears their BADD tees proudly, emails their support, emails their local MP's, the 33 companies involved in sponsoring and supporting BADD, the SST Crossroads group, one of whom - the recidivist killer of her loved one was released yesterday, and she found my email with this news and at that moment of reading my email it was exactly 2 years ago to the day she was calling friends to let them know the guy who killed her brother got only 2 years non-parole for his death, this definately turned her day around.

This is not the cure, but a tool towards prevention. It is a huge start.

It shows what you can do if you never give up and stay strong.

It is too little too late for my family - it does not change the horror...it does not bring our loved ones back, but it changes the future for NZ and this will reduce recidivist drink driving incidences.

Thanks to all for your support!

**scumdog** · 8th July 2008, 10:27

It's a start and I'm glad SOMETHING is getting done, being a cynic I wonder how they get around the idea of the drunk having a second car with no interlock?
I guess it could be he's only allowed to drive cars with an interlock but with NZs bleeding heart soft-cock approach to law I wonder how they would ever enforce it???

But I'm more of 'burn the car and jail the driver for anything after the first offence' approach.

Putting the fear of God into drunk drivers and/or making the resulting punishments fearsome is the only approach - but then I'm a dinosaur.

**Genestho** · 8th July 2008, 10:30

Originally Posted by Qkchk

Yes! Finally the govt isnt sittin on its hands and is actively doing something to prevent these dirtbags from getting on the road. Well done!

I know that the Queensland State has been using a similar tact for quite a while now.... Theres a multitude of info on them if you google 'Anti Drink Driving Devices'.

Ive been researching these devices for just about a year now, and the results are extremely positive. Its interesting the Govt has pulled this out at the last minute before elections, BUT what ever the findings are at least that job is done, I was quite keen on conducting research with the A and D industry and trialling these devices with BADD and Crossroads and there was talk about this, thats a job saved for us!!

**Genestho** · 8th July 2008, 10:41

Originally Posted by scumdog

It's a start and I'm glad SOMETHING is getting done, being a cynic I wonder how they get around the idea of the drunk having a second car with no interlock?
I guess it could be he's only allowed to drive cars with an interlock but with NZs bleeding heart soft-cock approach to law I wonder how they would ever enforce it???

But I'm more of 'burn the car and jail the driver for anything after the first offence' approach.

Putting the fear of God into drunk drivers and/or making the resulting punishments fearsome is the only approach - but then I'm a dinosaur.

Totally agree, there will be some tough questions put forward on enforcement of this law, because as we know disqualified drivers still drive AND they will try to drive a car without interlocks.

I have to say I have some pretty staunch thoughts on punishments - but thats only because of what this put Leon through before he died, what this has done to our families, and our kids.

And meeting the guy who was first on the scene last week - that was his 6th alcohol related smash hes had to attend.

I cant say too much more as the inquest is around the corner, but when he writes his story for my website (which is work in progress, its pretty tough on him as he had met Leon and Simon a few days before and then had to witness them in a fuckin mess and do what he could to help prolong Leons life) all will be revealed...

The thing about recidivists is that they have way more problems than just drinking and then driving, they have a specific profile which needs to be dealt with. We are not dealing with these issues at all, a 12 week program does not even begin to deal with a lifetime of mental health problems.

**scumdog** · 8th July 2008, 10:44

I bet if it was the relations of a few politicians who were killed/injured by drunk drivers we would have a draconian response quick-smart eh!

**DMNTD:Me** · 8th July 2008, 10:49

Fantastic new lovey! Well done to you and all that have been involved in getting it this far

Oh btw...time for another photo shoot? Ya know I gots the skils

**Genestho** · 8th July 2008, 10:49

"I bet if it was the relations of a few politicians who were killed/injured by drunk drivers we would have a draconian response quick-smart eh!"

I think I can agree on that one mate!!!

**Genestho** · 8th July 2008, 10:52

Originally Posted by DMNTD

Fantastic new lovey! Well done to you and all that have been involved in getting it this far

Oh btw...time for another photo shoot? Ya know I gots the skils

Cheers Chris! Thank yourself and the boys and Bossman at Bayride too, couldnt've done it without you guys!!!!!
You did good with that shoot for sure brother!!!! Im getting a hand with the slogan too mate, phew! Dont you worry, you will be enlisted for the next one!!! x

**BIHB@0610** · 10th July 2008, 13:33

Went to the Dominion Post website this morning and who should I see on the front page ....... http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominionpost/?source=dompost

Just awesome - well done Jos!

**Genestho** · 10th July 2008, 19:01

Thanks! Hey, but did you see Harry Ds comments?
Talk about missing the point! (He doesnt like me much anyway)

Comment one: These devices most definately need to be reapplied for AFTER completion of a long term targeted recidivist drink driver program!

And comment two: Well, er Harry, isnt it up to you - MOT, and Ministry of Justice and Dept of Corrections... that we pay our taxes to, to make sure that if the device has had an attempt at circumvention (thats logged) or if said guy is caught driving a car without an interlock....maybe ...i dunno...have strict penalities and er..enforce the damn law?

Severely and swiftly?
Sheesh why do I have to provide this guy all the answers?

Have emailed the reporter my reply to Harry!

Anyway the debate is on, and after a long time researching the solutions, this is the only successfull solution (International study conducted out of Aussie, America, Canada, Sweden shows these devices reduce recidivism by 40-90%) when it comes to disqualified drivers that continue to drink and then drive!
Theyre installed at user expense in the countries that use them now.

These devices not only prevent the car from being started but can also test the air in the car, and it tests randomly..the data is logged and implications can be instant or delayed...depends how they set it up. And the cars need to go in very frequently for servicing of the device.

The thing about this device is that disqualified or "indefinately" disqualified drivers still drive, so its all very well saying they shouldnt be allowed cars, but a piece of paper does not stop them, they still buy and drive cars, at least with this device most will be stopped (which is better than stopping none)

Good to see the idea out there anyway, looks like the poll at dompost is 90% for this solution (466 votes for this idea, last I saw)

**candor** · 10th July 2008, 21:59

Hey Jos, I did an interview on Prime news about this today thanks to our m8- was Ok but edited to max plus strung together in a hurry as they only had pinned me down late in day. I caught the Barnetts on 3 and 3 did a GOOOD job with no compromising to keep Govt onside.

Heres some useful info for days ahead. Govt is trying to "drown out" and distract by currying public support for what will be presented as an alternative better measure - lower limit.

Most important was Harrys soundbyte sounding dubious that "it might save a couple of lives but I'm not convinced there aren't more effective options". Sneaky, insidious, dangerous hint of the Govt plan of action.

An anti alcohol group Alcohol health watch is conspiring with ACC and other Govt agencies per a Press Release carefully timed for today, by forming a 0.05 saves lives campaign group. Pretty bad when a Govt has to drum up its own fake grass roots movement to silence others with real world experience and genuine evidence based suggestions.

This is what is motivating them - ballpark figures mind.

Combining info in the Breen Report for MoT and MADD stats (60% of recidivism nipped in bud not 50% per our Govt) interlocks for all second offenders would prevent 6 deaths, 24 serious injuries and save 30 milion in social costs. Cost of interlocks for all reoffenders caught at checkpoints yearly ='s 30 million. Reduced fines revenue from 60% less convictions on recidivists yearly ='s 4 million so net loss of 4 million to save 30 from death or serious injury. It doesn't stack up for Cullen.

Whereas taxing all those not likely to be dying or killing on roads who have one glass of wine with the reduced alcohol limit is likely to rake in 6 million at the barest minimum with much less hassle. It will have no road safety benefits per decade long studies of other jurisdictions like South Australia which is now thinking of lifting its limit back to ours so Police time won't be wasted - but what the hell.

PS - was talking to a traffic scientist who said latest research showed they are best used by disqualified drivers not just after the disqual because this is who causes a lot of the problem per several studies.