21 Sep 2009

Lobby group wants repeat drink/drug drivers stopped

4:28 pm on 21 September 2009

A new lobby group wants the Government to get tougher on people who drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Crossroads, launched in Taupo on Sunday, says it's determined to have repeat offenders taken off the roads permanently.

Last year, more than 1500 of the 30,000 people convicted of drink driving had four or more convictions.

Crossroads wants the cars of all repeat drink drivers fitted with a device that detects breath alcohol levels, and prevents the engine starting if necessary.

The group says the device has proved successful in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Crossroads also wants a lifetime ban on drivers with three or more convictions.

Spokesperson Megan McPherson says the driver who killed her brother south west of Christchurch three years ago, had three previous convictions.