Media release from the Green Party

The Green Party today called on John Key to allow his National MPs a conscience vote on whether the blood alcohol content (BAC) of drivers should be lowered.

Yesterday the Government ruled out changes to road safety legislation which would lower the BAC to the international best practice of 50 mg per 100 millilitres of blood.

"In the two years it takes for the Government to complete its review, up to 60 New Zealanders could die on our roads. They could be saved if Mr Key has the guts give to give Parliament the chance to lower the BAC," Green Party Co-leader Russel Norman said.

"Today in the House I challenged John Key to put the decision to National Party MPs as a conscience vote. I believe National Party MPs will want to save New Zealanders lives by lowering the level of the BAC.

"The Green Party will move an amendment to the Government's road safety legislation to lower the BAC to 0.05."

Dr Norman said a conscience vote would allow National MPs to express their true beliefs on the issue.

"Transport Minister Steven Joyce says we need more information, but the Ministry of Transport delivered him documents outlining over 300 studies on drink driving and recommending a lowering to 0.05," Dr Norman said.

LINKS

OIA Papers from NZ Drug Foundation
http://www.drugfoundation.org.nz/drink-drive-OIA

5+ Solution
http://www.alcoholaction.co.nz/FivePlusSolution.aspx