The Government’s proposal to change driver licensing rules is a mixed bag of sensible and careless.

“Zero tolerance for alcohol on restricted and learners licence holders regardless of age is necessary for safety. This is a move that will save lives and encourage better behaviour when it comes to alcohol and driving,” Labour acting transport spokesperson Damien O’Connor said.

“Halving the demerit threshold shows little mercy for those who take to the roads and break the law, also something Labour supports.

“Unfortunately, that’s where the sensible suggestions end. Batting down a second practical driving test as ‘time consuming and inefficient’ is a flippant way to describe minimum driving standards.

“Transport Minister Chris Bishop suggesting drivers should be able to jump to their full licence without any other requirements puts passengers and other road users at risk. If the test is going to be scrapped there needs to be a minimum requirement for moving on to a full licence.

“It’s well documented by the Ministry of Transport that restricted and learner licence holders are more likely to be involved in speed-involved fatal crashes than those with full licences, and are usually young people who are more likely statistically to have risky driving behaviour.

“According to the AA, 70 people under 25 die on the roads each year. Chris Bishop can’t put this evidence to one side, he needs to put safety first.

“Labour looks forward to seeing submissions to the Ministry of Transport on this proposal, and making sure scrappy legislation isn’t raced on to our roads,” Damien O’Connor said.

© Scoop Media