Better Roading will reduce the Road Toll.
The Transport Minister, Hon Paul Swain would be better off insisting that road user taxes were spent on roads rather
than looking at reducing the blood alcohol limit for drivers, says Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc) Vice President
Charlie Pedersen.
"All New Zealanders will welcome the lowest road toll in 40 years which is evidence that current legislation is working
well, said Mr Pedersen.
"While we cannot condone drink driving, reducing the blood alcohol limit further will penalise the rural community many
of whom do not have the luxury of public transport or taxis if they choose to have a social drink.
"The Government has identified a better roading network is the key to reducing our road toll further. Yet the Ministry
of Transport estimate that the Government will siphon $670 million of road user taxes into the consolidated fund this
year.
"I urge Minister Swain to prove his commitment to road safety by condemning his Government's misappropriation of $670
million road users taxes which would contribute significantly to safer roads."