REVEALED: Which Taranaki Council Has the Worst Drivers?

The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal which Taranaki councils have the best and worst record for crashing council pool vehicles in the last 12 months.

South Taranaki District Council reported two, Stratford District Council five, and New Plymouth District Council twenty-nine, but did not record whether disciplinary action was taken for any of the smashes.

Taranaki Regional Council reported 50 incidents, topping the fender bender rankings for last year.

Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:

“The data shows Taranaki Regional Council has, by a country mile, the worst drivers in the region. From backing into posts to hitting troughs, and even a collision with a bull, the council’s officials appear to be as freewheeling with vehicles as they are with ratepayer money."

“Taranaki Regional Council staffers need to be reminded that they are not auditioning for the local demolition derby."

“South Taranaki District and Stratford District councils, even adjusted for their size, are much safer drivers."

“As is shown by the private sector, there are easy fixes to dangerous fleet driving through staff training, enforcing policies, and in some cases simply reconsidering who they hand the keys to.”