Tough new drink-driving laws nab 230 drivers in just 23 days

Ten drivers a day have had their licence suspended since new zero-tolerance drink-driving laws came into force, as the government looks to new ways to save lives on the road.

• Andrew Constance: Drivers need to get the message
• All drink-drivers to lose their licence

Ten drivers a day on average have lost their licence on the spot since the introduction of harsh new penalties for low-range drink-driving.

Police now have the power to seize the licence of any ­motorist over the limit at RBT stops, under “zero tolerance” laws that came into effect on May 20.

Police conducting random breath testing. Picture: Troy Snook

Even first-time low-range offenders are slapped with a three-month licence suspension and $561 fine.

The Daily Telegraph can today reveal new figures show at least 230 drivers have had their licence suspended immediately by NSW Police for a first-time, low-range drink-driving offence since the reforms came into effect just over three weeks ago.

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A low-range reading applies to drivers with a blood-alcohol concentration of between .05 and .079. Previously, only those with a reading of .08 or higher were issued an immediate licence suspension and low-range ­offenders could drive up until their court date.

While it’s still early days, the government is confident the penalties will help make the roads safer by forcing drivers to change blasé attitudes towards drink-driving.

Transport and Roads Minister Andrew Constance. Picture: Joel Carrett

Roads Minister Andrew Constance issued a stern warning to motorists, saying: “This attitude that low-range drink-driving is a slap on the wrist is wrong.

“Since these changes came into force, 230 people have had their licences imme­diately suspen­ded. That’s 230 people who don’t get it.

“Your driving is impaired and you are putting yourself, and others, at risk. There are no more excuses. This is about saving lives.”

Alcohol-related crashes killed at least 68 people on NSW roads last year, accounting for nearly one in five road deaths, including 55 lives lost on country roads, according to the government.

NSW Centre for Road ­Safety data shows 174 people have been killed on the state’s roads so far this year — 16 more than at the same time last year.

Frightening new research from the centre has also ­revealed half of NSW drivers think it’s acceptable to drive drunk if they are on a “quiet road”, while one in three would drive home intoxicated ­because they need their car the next day.

The study of 2500 NSW licence holders also showed half would drive home drunk because it was their only way to get home.

The Daily Telegraph has been encouraging motorists to take greater care on the roads through an ongoing “Think and Drive” safety campaign.