Two Drinks Max:The hefty price for facts

Steven Joyce. Photo / APN

The Government believes New Zealand drivers aren't ready to moderate their drinking. We know they are. So take responsibility for keeping our roads safe by signing up: Two Drinks Max.

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The public have spoken - but it will cost $9200 to find out what they have to say.

The Herald on Sunday asked Transport Minister Steven Joyce for copies of letters from the public expressing their views on dropping the drink-drive limit.

Joyce had staff at the Ministry of Transport handle the request when officials found more than 2000 letters and emails had been sent.

They were happy to provide the information - but wanted to charge $72 an hour over three weeks to provide it.

Labour transport spokesman Darren Hughes said the charge was being used to block the release of the information. He also questioned whether public servants should be doing work that was the responsibility of the minister's office.

"It's a topic that's front of mind for most people. I just can't see how it would cost that much."

The Herald on Sunday asked Joyce to justify the cost but his office referred queries to the ministry.

The newspaper will complain to the Office of the Ombudsman.