Drink driving must be included in alcohol reform

Lowering the drink driving limit should be part of the Alcohol Reform Bill, says Labour's Transport Safety spokesperson Iain Lees-Galloway.

“National kicked for touch when it had the opportunity to reduce the legal blood alcohol tolerance from 0.08 to 0.05g per 100 mls, despite the New Zealand Transport Agency presenting strong evidence in favour of doing so and overwhelming public support.

"Stephen Joyce obviously didn't like the optics.

"I will propose an amendment to the Alcohol Reform Bill which will reduce the legal Blood Alcohol Content from 0.08 to 0.05g per 100 mls, the internationally accepted level over which driving becomes impaired.

"I believe Parliament's Standing Orders allow for this amendment to be tabled. But even if it is ruled outside the scope of the Bill, Parliament can vote to have it considered if a majority of MPs wish to do so. I encourage all of my Parliamentary colleagues to not only include the drink driving limit in the debate but also to support a reduction in the legal blood alcohol limit for driving.

"A strong theme in submissions on the Bill was that reducing the legal blood alcohol limit for driving is an important component in reducing the harm caused by alcohol. If this Bill is truly about reforming our alcohol laws then MPs from all parties must follow the advice we have received and support this amendment," said Iain Lees-Galloway.