Move to private road policing rings alarm bells

Privatising police road safety functions is a dangerous step say Labour’s Police spokesperson Kris Faafoi and Transport Safety spokesperson Iain Lees-Galloway.

“Associate Transport Minister Simon Bridges’ glib suggestion that private companies could take over the police’s role in enforcing road and vehicle laws is concerning.

“Rather than getting a helpful reminder during a WOF inspection that something needs to be fixed, Kiwis will face being pulled over and slapped with a fine by a profit-driven private company,” Iain Lees-Galloway said.

“Since National appears to have no plans to fund the additional enforcement that would have to go with reduced WOF inspections, either police resources will be tied up checking tyre treads and indicator lights or private companies will set huge fines to cover the costs of running their business profitably.

“Those businesses would be motivated to find as many faults as possible to maximise revenue.”

Labour’s Police spokesperson Kris Faafoi said Government moves towards private policing were disquieting.

"There is growing anger and frustration in the United Kingdom about the privatisation of the police force there and it is not a debate most New Zealanders would entertain.

"Our police force is one of the most trusted in the world. That National is considering eroding that by even considering the contracting out of basic police duties to companies that would have a financial bottom line is completely unacceptable.

"Police minister Anne Tolley needs to tell New Zealanders straight up whether or not this Government plans to privatise any of the core functions of policing.

"While we encourage efficiency, private policing for profit has no place in New Zealand,” said Kris Faafoi.