By ANEEKA SIMONIS
STRONG new road safety legislation will dish out harsher penalties for drink drivers in a bid to help improve road safety, according to Pakenham police.
From August, first-time offenders who blow .10 – twice the legal blood alcohol limit – will have their cars impounded and licences cancelled for 10 months, even if the car does not belong to them.
The new rules, which include a fine of $627, are expected to see an extra 3500 cars taken off the roads.
Police Minister Wade Noonan says a range of impoundment offences already existed for repeat speed, drink, drug and unlicensed driving offences.
“In the past people might have seen this as a bit harsh but I think we’ve got to a point where Victorians would have little tolerance for people blowing .10,“ Mr Noonan told 3AW on Monday 15 June.
Shadow Minister for Police Edward O’Donohue said the legislation, passed by the Coalition Government last year, sought to increase penalties to deter drivers from getting behind the wheel drunk.
“Higher penalties send a strong message of deterrence,” he said.
Senior Sergeant Nathan Prowd of Pakenham police said the legislation hoped to create a safer environment for road users.
“It will create additional work for police but we will get around it. We can only work to assist the causes of road trauma which has a big impact on people’s lives,” Sen Sgt Prowd.
Assistant Commissioner of Road Policing Robert Hill is expected to meet with police from Cardinia, Casey and Greater Dandenong on Wednesday 17 June to discuss the incoming policy.
