New drink-driving law looms

CRACKDOWN: Police will be enforcing a zero tolerance approach to speeding from today. Unlike last summer there will be no 4km/h leeway. PHOTO/FILE

Today is D-Day for Wairarapa drivers who like to put their foot down or enjoy a drink before driving home.

As of today, police will be introducing a zero tolerance approach to speeding as well as enforcing new, lower-alcohol limits, as part of their "Reach the Beach" summer road safety campaign.

While last summer the speed enforcement tolerance was reduced from 10km/h to 4km/h, this summer the threshold will be zero.

This will be the first holiday period since Queen's Birthday weekend in 2010 to not have a four 4km/h tolerance. Commissioner Mike Bush said anything over the speed limit was speeding and drivers should expect to be stopped.

"Our message to drivers is simple: the numbers in the red circles on the side of the road are the maximum speed you can travel safely in good driving conditions.

"Police officers have the discretion to stop and ticket people driving at any speed over the limit every day of the year."

Speed was often the difference between a close call or an agonising stay in hospital, he said.

It was up to officers to decide whether to issue tickets for drivers caught driving only a small amount above the limit.

The enforcement threshold for speed cameras during summer will stay at 4km/h.

Zero tolerance will remain in place until it is reviewed by police.

Today also marks the beginning of stricter alcohol limits. The limit for drivers over 20 years drops from 400mcg of alcohol per litre of breath to 250 mcg.

For drivers under 20, the limit remains at zero.

Adult drivers blowing between 251 to 400 mcg of alcohol per litre of breath will not face court action but will receive a $200 infringement fine and 50 demerit points on their licence.

Those over 400mcg will face criminal court charges, as they have done until now.

Police advice is to avoid drinking altogether before driving, or arrange a sober driver or other alternative transport.