Media release

Council votes in favour of Point Zero Five campaign

May 12, 2008

North Shore City Council leant its support last week to the regional Point Zero Five group, co-ordinated by Alcohol Healthwatch for the reduction of the legal blood alcohol limit for drivers.

North Shore is the second council in the region to give its support, alongside Auckland City Council, says Angie Cheong, council road safety co-ordinator.

"Our support for the Point Zero Five group to lower the legal blood alcohol concentration for drivers from 80mg to 50mg alcohol/100ml is a step in the right direction for preventing the high number of alcohol related injuries and deaths in our region," says Ms Cheong.

With regional support behind the Point Zero Five campaign, Alcohol Healthwatch will be able to submit a petition to Parliament showing support for a change in legislation.

"North Shore support for this campaign ties in with the city road safety strategy and its accreditation as a WHO safe city in 2007.

"Alcohol is a leading contributing factor to New Zealand's road toll and North Shore City on its own has a poor safety record for drink related accidents.

"A drop in the legal blood alcohol limit to 0.05 will encourage drivers to keep a better eye on how much alcohol they consume, giving them a greater chance to decide whether they are fit enough to get behind the wheel", said Ms Cheong.

Research has shown that impairment in driving skills is affected by as little as 20mg of blood alcohol in the system.

The Point Zero Five group is active nationwide, and is comprised of members of the police, ACC, public health professionals, road safety co-ordinators, injury prevention consultants and community health promoters.

Other countries that have adopted the 0.05 blood alcohol limit include Australia, South Africa, Italy, France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.

ENDS

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