Police Minister Stuart Nash has signaled a summer blitz on road safety, indicating the government is committed to reinstating some, or all, of the 111 traffic police he says were removed by National.
Speaking to 1 NEWS, Mr Nash agreed he was surprised road police numbers were de-established by the previous National-led Government because it was proven to have a noticeable impact on the road death toll.
"We all know the best way to moderate driver behaviour is to have more police on the roads," Mr Nash said.
"The first thing you do when you see a police car is you look down at your speed, and if you're traveling over the speed limit then the first thing you do is you stop."
Mr Nash said New Zealand was a "long narrow country" with roads often not in optimal condition, and Kiwi drivers need to act on their common sense to drive to the speed limit and take breaks.
Mr Nash also cited a stat that last year 100 more New Zealanders would be alive if they had their seat belt on when they crashed.
Further pressed if all 111 road safety officers removed would be back on the roads this summer, the minister was non-committal on specifics.
"You will see an increased police presence in summer, there's no doubt about that," Mr Nash said.
The Police Minister also said there would be more rural police officers free to patrol the roads while multi-taking with other responsibilities, due to the roll-out of 1800 additional officers Labour has announced.
Mr Nash also touched on his position on police road pursuits, saying he was comfortable with the current policy of police using their own discretion.
He said in Australia where they had introduced a "no chase" policy to police pursuits, an increase in crime was actually seen.
"I back the police to use their discretion and I do think they do use that wisely because if anyone is going to put either themselves or the members of the public at harm the police pull right back, and really quickly," Mr Nash said.
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