7. ALLAN PEACHEY (National—Tāmaki) Link to this
to the Minister of Transport
What progress has the Government made in tackling illegal street racing?
Hon STEVEN JOYCE (Minister of Transport) Link to this
I am very pleased to report that the House unanimously agreed last night to the passage of the Land Transport (Enforcement Powers) Amendment Bill. Although legislation alone is never the whole answer, this bill, in conjunction with the Vehicle Confiscation and Seizure Bill, which is now divided into three separate bills, will introduce a number of measures to tackle illegal street racing and close loopholes in the existing law. These measures include giving councils powers to prohibit cruising on key roads; increasing police powers for dealing with illegally modified, noisy vehicles; and promoting the greater use of demerit points and vehicle impoundment in order to deter offenders. The new legislation will send a clear message that New Zealanders will not tolerate dangerous and antisocial behaviour on their roads.
In addition to passing this legislation, my colleague the Hon Judith Collins has worked with the police on ensuring that the most effective operational strategies are used nationwide. Also, the National Land Transport Programme is to provide the New Zealand Police with an extra $121 million over the next 3 years for road policing, and the Government is currently working through the feedback from consultation on the next road safety strategy. I am sure that many New Zealanders who have been intimidated or have had their businesses or home life disrupted by illegal street racers will welcome all of these developments.