New Transport Bill provisions

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33609, 10 August 1974, Page 2

New Transport Bill provisions

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, August 9. A bill to give traffic officers increased powers to catch drinking drivers was introduced into Parliament this morning.

The Transport Amendment Bill provides that an officer may give a breath test where he has good cause to suspect that the driver has been drinking. Under the existing law he needs to have good cause to suspect that the driver has committed a traffic offence before a breath test can be taken. Members of Parliament did not oppose the measure during the first reading debate, but several said it would require close study to ensure that excessive powers were not given to traffic officers. The bill was sent for study to Parliament’s Road Safety Committee. The bill also:— Cuts the 55 m.p.h. speed limit to 80 k.p.h. (50 m.p.h.), in line with the recent decision of the committee that the lower

limit, introduced as a fuel saving measure, should be retained for safety purposes. Introduces a two-tier system of testing motor-cyclists, with separate licences for the riding of motorcycles above and below 250 c.c. Increases from $lOOO to $2OOO the maximum fine for offences such as hit and run driving, driving while disqualified, and causing injury or death through reckless driving after drinking. Proposes a new offence of causing injury or death through careless use of a motor-vehicle with aggravating circumstances. Metricates urban speed limits for urban areas. Minor provisions include:— A powercycle must have pedals and its motor must be an alternative propulsion. A tractor must be incapable of speeds over 50. A driver who is disqualified will no longer have the

terms of disqualification endorsed on his licence. The issue of limited licences to defendants who plead hardship will not now be available to most second offenders.