Brakes on drink-drive funding

Scheme more effective than disqualification in preventing repeat offending. Bevan Hurley and Anna Burns-Francis report.

Government funding has dried up for a successful programme fitting locking breathalysers to repeat drink drivers’ cars, prompting warnings it could lead to an increase alcohol-related crashes.

A Corrections Department pilot has helped fund the alcohol interlock devices to 150 repeat drink drivers.

The pilot was such a success Corrections asked for additional funding but despite the pilot finishing on June 30, no decision has been made and it’s no longer a sentencing option.

Corrections Minister Judith Collins said the pilot programme was being reviewed.

Former model and convicted drink driver Sophia Nash said it would be a tragedy to lose the programme.

‘‘For anyone with children, taking them to and from school becomes impossible. You either have to hire someone, which is a huge cost, or take public transport.

‘‘If I’d been able to get an interlock to drive, I would have done that.’’

Drink drive defence lawyer Karen Harding said she was disappointed to see the scheme was no longer available to judges.

‘‘Interlock was a way of making everyone feel safe in their family. The funding helps a wide range of people. . . and allows people to keep their jobs.’’

According to a 2015 Transport Ministry report, offenders who participate in an interlock system show a 67 per cent reduction in repeat offences compared to licence disqualification.

If the system was compulsory, estimates are that it would save two lives, prevent 40 injuries, and cut the social cost of road crashes and alcohol by almost $20 million each year.

A Corrections Department spokeswoman said the pilot had been a huge success.

‘‘We anticipate that driving-related re-offending among participants will have reduced, but more research is needed on the longterm effect of the device.’’ She said the purpose of the trial was to evaluate whether cost is a barrier in the uptake of alcohol interlock licences, and what road safety and reducing reoffending benefits an alcohol interlock provides.

By the end of May, 102 devices had been installed and 49 installations had been booked by offenders still serving disqualifications.

If I’d been able to get an interlock to drive, I would have done that. Sophia Nash