Page 1860 - Week 06 - Thursday, 19 May 1994

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTION

QUESTION NO 1298

Drink-Driving Offences

MR HUMPHRIES: To ask the Attorney-General - In relation to drink-driving offences in the ACT

(1) On what day did the new system for the issuing of Traffic Infringement

Notices for drivers tested who return a blood alcohol reading of between

0.05 and 0.08 come into effect.

(2) How many Traffic Infringement Notices have been issued to drivers who

have exceeded 0.05 but not exceeded 0.08 since the day on which this new

system came into effect.

(3) What are the penalties that apply for these offences.

(4) Does the Attorney-General view these offences any less seriously than

offences where the driver exceeds 0.08.

MR CONNOLLY: The answer to Mr Humphries question is as follows:

(1) 1 January 1991.

(2) 726 persons.

(3) The current penalty is $510 and 6 demerit points.

(4) No. However, as is the case with all offences, the severity of the penalty

should be consistent with the offence. Additionally, it is at the discretion of

the police officer who has detected the offence whether the offender is

issued with a Traffic Infringement Notice or summonsed to appear before

the Court.

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