The government aims to test just over 3.3 million drivers a year in its plan to increase roadside tests for drink and drug-impaired drivers.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown is launching a $1.3 billion Road Policing Investment Programme which will run for the next three years.
He said 65 percent of breath tests will be done at high or extreme alcohol risk times.
The scheme will also have a target of carrying out 50,000 drug tests per year.
Brown said another priority will be speeding on open roads and at high-risk locations.
"This plan has a clear focus on outcomes and has clear targets to ensure police are focused on the most high-risk times, behaviours, and locations.
I’m wondering where these police are coming from. Are highway police a completely different set of staff than those that investigate crime? Will more time spent at checkpoints be at the cost of less time spent elsewhere?
I know the government promised to increase the police force, but I’m still doubtful it’s anything more than covering population growth.
If they catch more people who’re diving on meth maybe that might also help prevent other crime? Bit of a stretch though, seems more like a distraction as stellargmite said.
All good questions. I’m guessing RNZ may have the police association on the blower this week. See what they have to say. After last week’s exchange with the (former) gun lobbyist MP accusing the police assoc of being a lobby group (lol), I’ll be getting the popcorn out.