SHANE Rattenbury says road users will soon be able to elect to have traffic and parking infringement notices delivered by email following a raft of new measures passed today that will provide greater options for registered road users in the ACT.

“The Road Transport Legislation Amendment Act 2016 makes a number of amendments to improve road safety, provide contemporary enforcement measures and reduce burdens on registered operators of vehicles,” Shane said.

“In the future, road users will be able to elect to have traffic and parking infringement notices sent via email rather than on the spot or in the mail. This will provide a more convenient way for people to receive infringement notices.

“Drivers who wish to complete certain infringement notice declarations, such as a declaration that they were not the driver at the time of an offence, can also now do so on-line.

“The Act also clarifies uncertainty about the power of police officers who require entry to a private property to conduct an alcohol or drug screening test.

“In limited circumstances a police officer may now enter private premises without permission to test a driver for alcohol or drugs where it is suspected the person has committed an alcohol or drug driving offence.

“This change ensures that drivers who drive whilst affected by alcohol or drugs will no longer be able to avoid sanction for their dangerous and criminal behaviour by refusing to allow police officers to enter premises to undertake the necessary testing.

“Drug and alcohol affected drivers put themselves and other road users at risk of serious injury or death and the community rightly expects that they will be detected and removed from our roads and not be allowed to hide to avoid punishment.

“These changes will further improve road safety and allow the Government to engage more efficiently with the community.”