Hornsby State Liberal MP Matt Kean has welcomed new laws making alcohol interlock devices mandatory for serious and repeat drink drivers which passed the NSW Parliament on Friday.
Mr Kean said it was the delivery of a commitment made by the NSW Government to crack down on repeat offenders who put the lives of all road users at risk with their dangerous behaviour.
"It's a disgrace that drink driving is such high risk problem on our roads with about 26,000 offences across the state every year," Mr Kean said.
"We know drivers convicted of drink driving offences pose a particularly high risk to the community, with data showing one in six offenders could re-offend with a subsequent drink driving offence within five years.
"Shocking statistics show people previously convicted of driving while intoxicated, are four times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than the average driver – that's why this program is so important.
Alcohol interlock devices are installed on car ignitions and require drivers to pass a breath test before the engine will start. If the device detects alcohol, then the car simply won't turn on.
The government's legislation will ensure mandatory alcohol interlocks form part of the drink driving sentencing regime and provide a physical barrier between drinking and driving, by early 2015.
From early next year, high range drink drivers – those caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.150 or above – and repeat drink drive offenders – those who have committed two offences within five years – will be ordered to have an alcohol interlock for at least 12 months.
This could see up to 6,000 new drink drive offenders entering the program each year.
Drink drivers who are convicted of a second or subsequent offence in a five year period will be required to pass a driver knowledge test.
Mr Kean said the NSW Government is also introducing additional penalties for anyone who helps a repeat offender evade the interlock system including a $2200 fine.
"We are now seeking accredited interlock providers to install and maintain the devices and the NSW Government will keep the community, legal and medical professionals informed ahead of the changes early next year," Mr Kean said.
