New Zealand’s Road Safety Objectives

Road safety is a strategic priority for the Government. The New Zealand’s Road Safety Objectives document includes a range of actions targeting the highest contributors to fatal road crashes, focusing on safer roads, safer drivers, safer vehicles and resetting our approach to speed limits.

The objectives document builds on the Government Policy Statement on land transport 2024, which directs investment toward road policing and enforcement, increased road maintenance and renewal activities, and cost-effective safety infrastructure. The objectives document is focused on achievable actions and resourcing the commitments outlined in the GPS.

Some of the Government’s key actions for improving road safety include:

• introducing roadside oral fluid drug testing
• reviewing penalties for traffic offences
• investing in new and safe Roads of National Significance and increasing road policing and enforcement
• improving the Graduated Driver Licensing System
• investigating new, targeted safety requirements for vehicles entering the fleet.

New Zealand’s Road Safety Objectives replaces Road to Zero.

Road Safety Objectives Reports

Last updated: 14 May 2026

New Zealand’s Road Safety Objectives (the Objectives) sets out the Government’s priority actions for road safety. The Ministry of Transport, NZ Transport Agency, NZ Police, and Accident Compensation Corporation are responsible for actions under the Objectives. The Ministry of Transport is responsible for the monitoring of road safety outcomes and the delivery of road safety actions. This quarterly report has been developed to ensure performance and delivery remains on track for the actions under the Objectives. It also tracks the road safety outcomes, including deaths and serious injuries.