67997 (2024). Hon Julie Anne Genter to the Minister of Transport

67997 (2024). Hon Julie Anne Genter to the Minister of Transport: How many deaths and serious injuries, if any, does the minister think is acceptable on our roads and streets?

Hon Simeon Brown: Improving road safety is a priority for our Government, and a reduction in deaths and serious injuries is an expected outcome outlined in the Government Policy Statement on land transport 2024. Alcohol and drugs are the highest contributing factor to fatal crashes on our roads. The Government has set clear targets to ensure Police are focused on the most high-risk times, behaviours, and locations to crack down on impaired drivers. I note that over 850,000 more alcohol breath tests were undertaken on our roads in 2023/24 compared to the previous year, saving 37 lives across the country.