Breathalysers for repeat drinkdrivers

AUCKLAND: The introduction of mandatory alcohol breathalysers in the cars of serious drinkdrivers is being hailed as a lifesaver.

From yesterday, repeat drink drivers will be required to install an alcohol breathalyser in their car to stop them driving if they’ve had a drink.

The Government said anyone caught drinkdriving over the legal limit twice within five years, or a first time offender more than threepointtwo times over that limit will face an alcohol interlock sentence.

An interlock is a breathtesting device that will stop a car starting if it detects alcohol.

Associate transport minister Julie Anne Genter said the sentence could prevent about 6000 cases of drinkdriving a year.

A financial assistance scheme will also ensure low income offenders can afford to buy the breathalysers, which can cost more than $2000.

The mandatory sentence would make roads safer, Ms Genter said.

‘‘Over the past four years the number of people dying on our roads has continued to increase.

‘‘International research shows alcohol interlocks reduce reoffending rates by an average of 60%.

‘‘However, only 2% of offenders have received the discretionary sentence since it became available in 2012, due in part to the substantial costs,’’ she said.

The Automobile Association said making interlocks mandatory would save lives.

AA spokesman Dylan Thomsen said the breathalyser devices were also regularly checked for their data to ensure drivers were using their own cars.