Tough new laws for drinking and driving
Posted Dec 7, 2011 8:34 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Premier Alison Redford has followed through with her promise, passing tough new drunk driving legislation, but there’s no word on when it will take effect.
Bill 26 lowers the legal blood alcohol limit in the province to 0.05, from the Criminal Code level of 0.08.
There are reports some of the most controversial aspects of the bill, such as giving police the power to suspend and impound vehicles, could take several months to implement.
Transportation Minister Roy Danyluk tells 660News education is a large part of the legislation and it may take awhile to make sure everyone, including police, is on the same page.
“Very freely I can say four to five months, I’m not sure that we can do it in that time, but that’s what we’re shooting for,” he says. “If we can move it sooner we will.”
He says during that time period there’s an opportunity to be able to work with local businesses and members of the hospitality industry.
Danyluk says administrative penalties aimed at repeat offenders will come into effect first.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving past local president Tracy Franklin says she applauds any move by the government to curb drinking and driving.
She says she understands the frustration of some critics that it may not be tough enough.
When it comes to implementation, Franklin says the sooner, the better.
“Heading into the Christmas season, any changes that we can make are positive changes, the more impaired drivers we can get off the road the better for all of us,” she says.
The bill still needs to receive Royal Assent, which Danyluk is hoping will happen in the coming weeks.
It’s had its fair share of critics, including fellow Conservative MLAs.
In total, there were 30 “yes” votes from Tories and NDP MLA Rachel Notley, while six Liberal and Wildrose MLAs voted against the measure.
