Police are encouraged that in the first 10 days of new reduced alcohol limits for drivers coming into effect, early provisional data shows low numbers of infringements have been issued.
As of 1 December, the alcohol limit for drivers aged 20 years and over is now 250mcg of alcohol per litre of breath, while the blood alcohol limit is 50mg (0.05) of alcohol per 100ml of blood, down from 400mcg and 80mg (0.08) respectively.
Police say while numbers are expected to change as there are still some notices to be processed, early provisional data gathered from officer SMART devices between 1–11 December shows 63 drivers have been ticketed across the country for offences in the 250–400mcg bracket.
"While it is still very early days, Police are cautiously optimistic about how people are responding to the new alcohol limits so far," says National manager Road Policing, Superintendent Carey Griffiths.
"It's pleasing that the anecdotal feedback to date indicates that most people seem to be on board and supportive of the changes, and the relatively low number of infringements seen so far would seem to support that," Mr Griffiths says.
"While time will tell whether the positive numbers continue, the public can be assured that Police will certainly be continuing to rigorously enforce the law, and asks drivers, family, friends and whanau to do their part too. While more data will need to be gathered over time before a more robust analysis can be carried out, it's certainly heartening that things seem to have got off to a relatively good start."
Those caught in the 250–400mcg or 50–80mg range face a $200 fine and 50 demerit points, with an automatic three months' loss of license if caught twice in two years. For drivers under 20, the limit stays at zero.
"Of course, Police will be continuing to strictly enforce breath alcohol limits at all levels, including those in the over 400mcg and 80mg bracket, and won't hesitate to put those caught before the courts."
Meanwhile, Mr Griffiths says provisional data for officer-issued speeding notices issued during the first week of the summer period to drivers exceeding the speed limit by under 5km/h have totalled just three notices – indicating that officers are appropriately using their discretion based on the circumstances.
"As we have said all along, our staff will continue to use their discretion and their judgment to fairly deal with drivers if stopped for speeding. Whether or not someone receives an infringement will depend on a range of factors, such as the road and weather conditions, their driving behaviour, and the risk they present to other road users.
"That said, we would be delighted if we never had to issue another ticket for speeding, as it would indicate that everyone was travelling at a safe speed and deaths and injuries on our roads would plummet. The easiest way to avoid a ticket – or worse, a serious injury or death on our roads this summer – is to drive at a safe speed for the conditions and not exceed the speed limit.
"The limit is still the limit, which is the maximum legally safe speed to travel on that section of road in ideal conditions."
Speed cameras and other electronic speed detection equipment are set to a reduced 4km/h threshold during the summer, but it will take several weeks before infringements are processed and numbers are known.
While last summer's campaign saw a rise in infringements, Mr Griffiths says the most important statistic was the 22% reduction in fatal crashes and a 24% reduction in injury crashes, following significant reductions in people exceeding speed limits by 1–10km/h and over 10km/h.
"While critics will inevitably focus on the numbers of notices and fines issued, it pales against the benefits of seeing fewer people killed and injured on our roads and fewer families left grieving."
ENDS
Media contact: Ross Henderson, ph 04 470 7316
*Offences under new BAC limits 1–11 December
Police District
Notices to date
Northland
6
Waitemata
12
Auckland
9
Counties-Manukau
3
Waikato
4
Bay of Plenty
6
Eastern
5
Central
8
Wellington
3
Tasman
2
Canterbury
5
Southern
0
Total = 63
*Note this table contains provisional data drawn from a dynamic operational database and is subject to change as new information is recorded or recoded. It doesn't include any handwritten officer issued notices which are still to be processed.