Sabin Mike: Land Transport Amendment Bill — Second ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeSabin Mike: Land Transport Amendment Bill — Second Reading[Sitting date: 03 July 2014. Volume:700;Page:19236. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]MIKE SABIN (National—Northland):Although I do have a good deal of respect for the previous speaker Kevin Hague I take exception to the comment that he made about I guess the message that is sent through legislation like this the Land Transport Amendment Bill. I say that because what is very clear if we look at meaningful deterrents is that the scale and consequence of the penalty has far less effect than the degree of certainty that there will be a likely outcome or culpability for the given offence. I listened very intently to and noticed some of the submissions that were made in particular from some who have probably been on the wrong side of this discussion the criminal side of this discussion through their previous life experiences.It is clear that by shifting the tipping point I guess in terms of people’s decision making by saying that anything between 250 micrograms and 400 micrograms will likely bring a consequence the likelihood of being caught increases. I will come to that point and suggest why that may be. It was interesting to note how people would think well all of a sudden the idea of having a few drinks is not a good one. It is not a good one because although there may be a lesser consequence in terms of the infringement notice there is a consequence. Swiftness and certainty are the factors that are at play here and are very important in terms of affecting someone’s decision to ultimately get in a motor vehicle and drive after having consumed alcohol or mind-altering substances.One thing that is sure is when an individual drinks the first thing that is impaired is their judgment. What we do know is that their ability to make a good and rational decision at that point is impaired so we cannot expect someone who has decided to have a couple to know exactly where that line is. It is a false notion to suggest that they can. Of course the individual will think that they can but that is quite wrong. But what we need to do is ensure that the message that is given and is well understood is that even a very low level of alcohol is likely to result in a consequence. There is a degree of certainty about that occurring. I believe this strikes that balance.The important thing to note here is the ability of the police to be able to essentially carry out their road policing turn round a vehicle stop that results in a 250 to 400 microgram infringement notice and be back out on the street maintaining that enforcement presence. When a police officer gets involved in a breath-alcohol situation which may become a blood-alcohol situation the process in itself can take an hour. It can take a significant period of time in a more rural area. One thing that is important to note about this is the ability of the police officer to quickly apprehend to engage the appropriate sanction by way of an infringement notice and to get back out on the street and continue to provide that level of deterrence.What we are getting through this is we are sending a message that even a couple is too many. If you are out there on the road the likelihood is there will be a far greater deterrence impact because enforcement officers are far more able to carry out their duties and not be bogged down with paperwork sitting in a police station or behind a breathalyser machine in the booze bus. In that sense it is a pragmatic piece of legislation which I do think will send a message. The reality is that I think we are getting to a point as a country and as a society where we have to accept that if you are drinking you find another way to get home. Do not get behind the wheel of a car. It is as simple as that. Regardless of this legislation that is the message people should get. There is no excuse—no excuse whatsoever. This legislation will make sure that for those who choose to do so there will be a consequence.