Drunk Driver Car Seizures Proposed

The CLP is looking at seizing cars from drunk drivers, said Opposition Leader Jodeen Carney today.

"The devastating affects of intoxicated people driving cars, especially repeat offenders, means that we must consider all options,” Ms Carney said.

"In June, a Solicitor and concerned resident wrote to the former Minister for Transport and me about such a proposal”.

"He attached research materials and all of the arguments were persuasive. My office had already been undertaking research in this area, and I am keen for the CLP to endorse it as a policy”.

A Government Taskforce report has been provided to Government. Ms Carney said that the new Transport Minister should say whether the Taskforce considered this proposal.

"New Zealand seizes and confiscates vehicles from particular offenders. Confiscation is applied to disqualified and drink driving and other serious offences, especially repeat offences.”

"The community has had enough of the carnage on our roads. While there are a variety of factors, drunk drivers is one of them. People need to know that their cars will be taken away if they are convicted more than once of drunk driving. It's tough, but necessary”.

"Penalties currently include fines and usually a short jail spell. Removing a car from someone who didn't learn their lesson the first time is the way to go”.

"People who think that it is alright to drink and drive, need to be taught just how serious the consequences are, and taking away their cars can only help to create a further disincentive.”

"My message is clear, if you want to play with fire, you going to get burnt.”

"I again call on the Minister for Transport to make the transport safety report public.”

2006-09-22