Police are cautiously optimistic about how people are responding to the new alcohol limits so far. Photo / File
Police are cautiously optimistic about how people are responding to the new alcohol limits so far. Photo / File
Police say they are encouraged by early data that show low numbers of infringements issued in the first 10 days of the reduced alcohol limits for drivers.
Police said while numbers were expected to change as there were still some notices to be processed, early provisional data gathered from officerSMART devices between December 1-11 showed 63 drivers had been ticketed across the country for offences in the 250-400mcg bracket.
"While it is still very early days, police are cautiously optimistic about how people are responding to the new alcohol limits so far," national manager road policing Superintendent Carey Griffiths said.
"It's pleasing that the anecdotal feedback to date indicates that most people seem to be on board and supportive of the changes, and the relatively low number of infringements seen so far would seem to support that.
"While more data will need to be gathered over time before a more robust analysis can be carried out, it's certainly heartening that things seem to have got off to a relatively good start."
Those caught in the 250-400mcg or 50-80mg range face a $200 fine and 50 demerit points, with an automatic three months' loss of licence if caught twice in two years.
