A member’s bill in the name of Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown would create a new criminal offence of damaging or obstructing State Highways and other major roads, tunnels, and bridges.
The bill will be lodged in the ballot in Parliament following recent significant disruption caused by rail protesters in the nation’s capital, he says.
Brown, the National Party’s transport spokesperson, says: “Over the past few months, there has been significant obstruction of Wellington’s State Highways and tunnels by a rail activist group causing disruption to thousands of commuters and businesses trying to get around Wellington.
“While Transport Minister Michael Wood is having a cup of tea with these radical activists, the National Party is standing on the side of law-abiding citizens seeking to get around our country.”
Brown says the proposed offence is narrow and would be if a person, without reasonable excuse, enters, remains on, climbs, jumps from, or otherwise trespasses on a major bridge, tunnel, or road, and in doing so causes damage to it or seriously disrupts or obstructs vehicles or pedestrians trying to use it.
“This means if the route is closed or traffic is diverted as a result of the conduct, and if there is no reasonable excuse like an accident or having a permit, there will be greater consequences than exist under current laws.
“The bill proposes up to two years in prison, a $20,000 fine, or both.
“It doesn’t stop people from protesting, but it makes it crystal clear if you blockade a motorway you will face consequences.
“Not only is such conduct annoying to commuters, it is downright reckless and dangerous.
“This bill will send the appropriate signal to deter such unacceptable behaviour.”
