New drink driving laws effective

Changes which will see people being issued with immediate licence disqualifications have been applauded by South West police officers but a Bunbury community group says they are ‘‘not enough’’.

From today, any driver caught with a blood-alcohol level above 0.08 or refuses a breath test will be issued a licence disqualification notice for two months.

In this time the person will also go to court where the suspension could be extended.

Road Safety Council of WA data shows 29 per cent of car crashes are caused by drivers with a blood-alcohol levels above 0.05.

South West Car Club president Carolyn Wright said while it was good to see changes being made they were ‘‘not enough’’.

‘‘Anything that affects a person’s performance or judgement when they are in control of a machine which could kill should have a no tolerance level,’’ she said.

‘‘Those who risk it will still risk it.

‘‘We are glad action has been taken but still stick by the motto of none for the road.’’

The South West Car Club is a community group which participates in community fundraisers, offers advice for people’s cars and campaigns for road safety awareness.

Ms Wright said she feared for her children who would soon be driving themselves around.

‘‘My eldest is a learner driver and people are so aggressive towards her that it makes me wonder what they’re like after a couple of drinks,’’ she said.

‘‘Soft drinks are exactly that, soft, and they need to be the only thing drivers drink before they drive.

‘‘I’ve been in an accident before and it’s a nasty experience.’’

South West Traffic Division officer-in-charge Sgt Gerard Murphy applauded the changes.

‘‘These changes bring us in line with other States,’’ he said.

‘‘It stops the idea of people being able to drive around before their court hearing — they can’t drive as soon as they’re given a notice.

‘‘The other good thing is that once they’re given a disqualification notice they can’t apply for an extraordinary licence.’’

Sgt Murphy said the changes highlighted the issue of drink driving in the State.

‘‘They show the seriousness of drink driving and how it does affect the community,’’ he said.