Zero alcohol for drivers under 20

File photo / Michael Craig

The Government intends imposing a zero alcohol level on drivers aged under 20, Transport Minister Steven Joyce has confirmed.

He said today it was part of a package aimed at reducing the road death toll, which was 60 per cent per capita higher than Australia's.

Mr Joyce said the zero alcohol level for drivers under 20 still had to be signed off by the Cabinet.

"I think it is likely to get through," he said on Radio New Zealand.

"We do need to take a systematic approach to the issues around young people dying on our roads."

At present teenage drivers have a 30mg alcohol limit.

Mr Joyce said there would also be proposals in the package covering drivers up to age 24.

- NZPA