Road fatalities

Children will suffer

On December 1, 2014, draconian blood/ alcohol regulations became law, with the politicians and the police congratulating each other as to how they’d worked together to defeat drunken driving in our country and save so many lives on our roads. There were some who, having a little more intelligence or honesty than MPs and, apparently, police management, tried to tell them that this would do nothing to stop drunk drivers, and, accordingly, nothing to curb the road toll. But it would serve to further restrict socialising within our communities by respectable, responsible citizens, afraid to drive their cars after having chewed a wine gum. And we have subsequently seen the closure of many socially valuable clubs and pubs, especially those with marginal profitability in more lightly populated areas.

Now, what do we find?

Road fatalities for 12 months to December 4: 2013 = 231; 2014 = 267; 2015 = 290; 2016 = 298; 2017 = 342

These draconian alcohol levels haven’t done a bit to stop road fatalities. The drunken drivers are a readily identifiable demographic cohort with no interest in blood/alcohol level regulations. But pathetical correctness (a form of cowardice) prevents identifying that cohort, and, thus, dealing with them.

All these levels do is punish responsible social drinkers.

It’s well past time for the fools running this country to raise the blood/ alcohol levels back to where they should be, allowing responsible citizens to enjoy socialising with their friends. That won’t stop drunks from driving, of course, but nor do these appallingly restrictive levels.

Graeme Smith

Hamilton T John Marshall

Cambridge Children suffer under ‘‘Score card’’ system

Private company, Tenancy Information New Zealand is attempting to pass itself off as a legitimate government organisation. In fact, this is a greedy private corporation utilising scaremongering tactics to put money into their pockets and tip the scales of power further towards the wealthy.

The punitive ‘‘Tenancy Risk Score’’ will penalise families who are already struggling to find affordable homes.

Under this scheme, families will be held ransom! There is no real choice given as they either sign or they sleep on the street with their children.

We encourage you to contact your local MP to put a stop to this.

William Wells

New Plymouth imposing clock installed, but that is adding to rate costs! If fuel tax is added, workers may wake up that it is cheaper to use a bus card and catch a bus to and from work, rather than pay for parking and using unnecessary fuel. Just $4.80 a day at the moment.

Jim Lynn

Hamilton Write to: Editor Waikato Times, Private Bag 3086, Hamilton 3240, or email editor@waikatotimes.co.nz. Letters may be edited or declined and should not exceed 200 words.

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