Time to get serious on alcohol interlocks

Laws to introduce alcohol interlocks for repeat drink drivers could be passed tonight if the Bligh Labor Government was serious about saving lives.

LNP Shadow Transport Minister Fiona Simpson said Labor should stop playing politics and pass the LNP’s Alcohol Interlock Bill.

“Labor has been promising to introduce these devices since 2002 — eight years later they are still finding delays and excuses,” Ms Simpson said.

“The LNP Bill has been ready to debate for four months, but instead of preventing drink driving and saving lives the Bligh Labor Government has scrambled around to put an almost identical bill together.”

 Ms Simpson said the LNP Bill would mean - 

•  High level drink drivers (BAC over 0.15) who reoffend must install an alcohol interlock on their vehicle when they regain their licence.
• Repeat drink drivers and first time high level drink drivers (BAC over 0.15) may be ordered to have an alcohol interlock.
• Drivers caught with a BAC higher than 0.15 three times in five years will lose their licence for good under a three strikes and you’re out rule.
• Drink drivers who are subject to an alcohol interlock order will be required to undergo a rehabilitation course.

“The LNP is committed to stopping repeat offenders from once again getting behind the wheel of a car while under the influence of alcohol.

“In contrast the Bligh Labor Government would not stop drivers who have been caught with high BACs three times from driving again.

“The LNP is committed to saving lives — but all the Bligh Labor Government has is more broken promises, delays and excuses.”