The Government has released targeted actions which aim to help motorists and freight operators travel around the road network “quickly and safely”.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown says the initiative, which focuses on increasing road policing and enforcement, will target the highest contributing factors to fatal crashes. Delivering new and safe roading infrastructure is also part of the action plan.
It will build on the Government Policy Statement on land transport 2024, outlining several road safety actions over the next three years which includes:
- Increased alcohol breath testing and introducing roadside drug testing
- Reviewing penalties for traffic offences
- Identifying opportunities to improve the driver licensing system
- Building and maintaining our road network to a safe standard
“Motorists and freight should be able to travel around our road network, quickly and safely. Improving road safety is a priority for our Government to keep Kiwis safe and increase productivity to improve outcomes for all New Zealanders,” Brown says.
“Alcohol and drugs are the highest contributing factor to fatal crashes on our roads, and that’s why we have set clear targets to ensure police are focussed on the most high-risk times, behaviours, and locations to crack down on this reckless behaviour,” he says.
An extra 850,000 alcohol breath tests were undertaken on roads in 2023/24 compared to the previous year.
“While we are prioritising road policing and enforcement to improve road safety, road users also need to take personal responsibility for their actions on the road.
“That’s why this plan includes reviewing penalties for traffic offences to ensure they reflect the seriousness of putting other drivers at risk, and identifying opportunities to improve the driver licence system.”
Building new Roads of National Significance (RoNS) and increasing road maintenance will also achieve a safer road network, Brown adds.
“The RoNS built by the previous National Government are some of New Zealand’s safest roads. Road fatalities in the Kāpiti District have reduced by 71% since the opening of the Mackays to Peka Peka section of the Kāpiti Expressway in 2017.
“We are continuing this track record with investment in 17 safe RoNS across the country to enable Kiwis to get where they want to go, quickly and safely.”
