A Dunedin recidivist drink-driver and alcohol abuse experts say they support the Government's move to make in-car breathalysers mandatory for serious and repeat offenders.
Anyone convicted of drink-driving twice or more within five years will get a mandatory alcohol interlock device on their vehicle, preventing them from starting the car if they have had a drink.
First-time drink-drivers caught at over 3.2 times the legal limit will also receive an alcohol interlock sentence.
Interlocks cost between $2500 and $3100 for a 12-month sentence, comprising driver licensing fees, installation and removal fees and monthly rental costs, according to the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA).
However, the NZTA is granting an interlock subsidy for those on low incomes, covering the installation of the interlock, part of its monthly servicing cost, its removal, as well as licensing costs.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a Dunedin recidivist drink-driver said he supported the move to make interlocks mandatory for serious and repeat offenders, especially if it kept people out of prison.
``It's a massive step in the direction of prevention instead of punishment.
``Repeat offenders like myself don't think they are doing anything wrong as they haven't hurt anyone ... yet.
``As a preventive tool, I hope it does what it is intended to do.''
His string of convictions meant he was having serious trouble finding work, and his custodial sentences had a profound effect on his life.
Salvation Army Bridge Dunedin director Major Peter Macdonald welcomed the introduction of mandatory interlock sentences for a wide pool of offenders.
Bridge is the Army's alcohol and drug addiction treatment service.
However, Maj Macdonald cautioned it would not be a silver bullet, and needed to be used in conjunction with treatment for alcohol abuse.
``The interlock system won't work for everyone - it needs to be part of a range of supports for people to help them address the issues behind their drink driving,'' Maj Macdonald said.
``But it will be a very helpful tool for some of the people we work with to keep them accountable and keep people safe.''
University of Otago Dunedin School of Medicine chair of preventive and social medicine Jennie Connor welcomed the policy, which she said appeared to be backed by sound evidence.
Prof Connor echoed Maj Macdonald's view that an interlock device needed to be used in conjunction with treatment.
``The treatment component is very important.
``I don't think it will work for everybody but it will work for some of these people.
``This decision won't cure everything but it will help.''
