Tens of thousands of drivers sitting on restricted and learner licences will soon get a Government hurry-up to qualify properly - or risk losing the right to drive.

Drivers are flouting the ban on hand-held cellphones - new figures show a phone-related car crash almost every two days, dozens of injuries and five deaths last year.

Roads and vehicles must be "more forgiving" to curb a road toll which averages more than one death a day, the AA says. Figures released by the Ministry of Transport today show 371 people died on the roads over the past year.

Transport Minister Steven Joyce ignored expert advice to cut the drink-drive limit and save lives after pointed questions from John Key's office suggesting there might be a public backlash, new papers reveal.

This time last year, Auckland City mayor John Banks was rubbishing a poll showing Manukau mayor Len Brown 11 points ahead in the race for the Super City mayoralty as "shonky".

Transport Minister says many questions remain over $2 billion-plus project.

The festive season is a time of excess. But as the country’s top traffic officer Paula Rose tells Alan Perrott, there is little cheer in counting its cost.

Consultants have produced a glowing business case for a $2 billion-plus inner Auckland rail tunnel.

Transport Minister Steven Joyce was left red-faced after trotting out new figures supporting the Government's position on drink-driving - then admitted they made little sense.

When alcohol industry reps unleash their charm offensives on the corridors of power there is one office they dodge, that of Jim Anderton.

NZ's Transport Minister says while he thinks the Two Drinks Max campaign is "a good initiative" he won't sign up.