Drinking limits 'not safe'

A driver sends a row of cones flying during the controlled test at Pukekohe Park. Photo / Herald on Sunday

Alcohol watchdogs are calling on the Government to fast-track drink-drive reforms after a Herald on Sunday test showed adults could consume almost a six-pack of beer and still beat the breathalyser.

The experiment was sparked by Transport Minister Steven Joyce's comment that someone could drink three-quarters of a bottle of wine and still drive legally.

Two adults - one male and one female - drank several bottles of beer and still tested under the limit during a controlled test at Pukekohe Park.

However, instructors rated their driving after having the drinks as "very aggressive" and "not safe".

Police in Auckland stopped 25,000 drivers over three nights this week, and 60 people tested over the limit.

Alcohol health groups expect the Government to lower drink-drive limits next year, but say that's not soon enough.

The Ministry of Transport and the Law Commission are reviewing the legal relationship between alcohol and cars, and both have floated proposals to lower the limit from 400mcg of alcohol per litre of breath to 250mcg, in line with Australia.

Students Against Drunk Driving acting general manager Julie Elliotte said a pass from a police breathalyser was no assurance of competence behind the wheel: "You might be legally under the limit, but not safe."

Joyce said even if Cabinet decided to lower the limit it would take more than a year for the policy to filter through to the front line: "The earliest we could realistically act on this would be by October next year."