28th learner's licence breach

A 29-year-old Christchurch man has been convicted for the 28th time for breaching the conditions of his learner's licence.

Gary van Dorp, 28, appealed against his $500 fine and a three-month disqualification on two charges of breaching a learner's licence but lost, the Sunday Star-Times reported.

Road safety advocate Clive Matthew-Wilson of the car buyers' guide Dog & Lemon said the case illustrated why fines and disqualifications did not work, and repeat offenders needed to have their cars confiscated. A spokesperson for Transport Minister Steven Joyce last week said the Land Transport (Enforcement Powers) Amendment Act, which came into effect in December, addressed that issue.

The law increased the demerit points for each breach because demerits have been found to be a stronger deterrent than fines as they lead to disqualification.