Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, August 20, 2024
The New Zealand Government has announced a comprehensive $1.3 billion Road Policing Investment Programme (RPIP) for 2024-2027, aimed at significantly enhancing road safety across the country.
The programme, unveiled this week by Transport Minister Simeon Brown, introduces robust measures to crack down on drunk and drugged driving, which are the leading causes of fatal road crashes in New Zealand.
Breath testing targets
The RPIP sets an ambitious target of conducting 3.3 million roadside alcohol breath tests annually, marking an increase from the previous target of three million tests. This initiative is designed to have a strong deterrent effect on those who consider driving under the influence of alcohol.
Notably, 65% of these tests are planned to be carried out during high or extreme alcohol risk times, such as late nights and weekends, when the likelihood of impaired driving is highest.
Mr Brown emphasised that breath testing has proven to be an effective measure in reducing drunk driving incidents, and the government is committed to ensuring that these targets are consistently met.
“New Zealand has seen inconsistent breath testing results over the past decade, with only two years reaching the three million tests benchmark. This new target is a clear signal that we are serious about road safety and will work tirelessly to ensure these tests are conducted regularly,” Mr Brown stated.
Introduction of Roadside Drug Testing
A significant component of the RPIP is the introduction of roadside drug testing, a measure that has been long-awaited in the battle against drug-impaired driving.
The government has allocated $20 million specifically for the implementation of this new regime, which aims to conduct 50,000 oral fluid drug tests annually. This initiative comes in response to alarming statistics that show an average of 105 lives are lost each year in crashes involving drug drivers, accounting for 30% of all road deaths between 2019 and 2022.
Mr Brown highlighted the importance of this new testing regime, saying, “The introduction of roadside drug testing is a crucial step in our efforts to remove impaired drivers from our roads. By setting clear and practical enforcement targets, we can ensure that those who choose to drive under the influence of drugs are held accountable, ultimately improving safety for all road users.”
Performance-Based Funding to Ensure Accountability
To ensure that the RPIP’s goals are met, the Government has introduced a performance-based funding mechanism. Over the next three years, $72 million will be allocated as incentive payments to the Police, contingent upon the achievement of targets related to speed, alcohol, and drug enforcement. This approach is designed to not only increase accountability but also to ensure that resources are being used effectively to deliver tangible results.
Mr Brown pointed out that simply increasing spending does not guarantee success, citing past years where increased funding did not lead to higher breath test numbers. “We are determined to turn this around. This performance-based funding will ensure that our investment translates into real, measurable improvements in road safety,” he remarked.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
