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Transport Minister Annette King says she is confident she has the numbers to get legislation that will crack down on drivers impaired by illegal drugs to a select committee.
The Government announced in December it would introduce the legislation this year.
A spokesman for Ms King said the minister expected to table the legislation soon. She was confident she had the support to get the bill to a select committee for scrutiny.
The Dominion Post reported yesterday that wrangling between the Greens and New Zealand First meant it was not clear whether the bill would get enough support to pass into law.
The newspaper understood the Greens had insisted on a provision being added to prevent evidence gathered during blood-testing of impaired drivers being used for any other purpose, including prosecution under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
National's transport spokesman, Maurice Williamson, said yesterday that his party had not yet seen the bill, so it had not been to the caucus for discussion.
But he said the party would support any legislation that helped to make the road safer, provided it was based on evidence the measure would work.
- NZPA
