At least 21 motorists chose to put their lives and the lives of others at risk by getting behind the wheel intoxicated this weekend . . . and that was just in the Rangitikei, Manawatu and Horowhenua areas.
The Tactical Alcohol Group (TAG) had a busy weekend stopping a total of 1,946 drivers across the weekend.
During a checkpoint in Marton on Thursday, three out 280 drivers tested were over the legal limit. That same evening two drink drivers were found during a stop of 67 vehicles.
On Friday the TAG team were in the Horowhenua where 587 vehicles were stopped and eight drink drivers were identified.
A further eight were found on Saturday night during an operation in Palmerston North which stopped 1,012.
Road Policing Manager Inspector Neil Wynne, said: "It beggars belief that so many people are still prepared to flout the law. At best they face a fine, loss of a licence, loss of a career and even imprisonment. At worst they are in danger of maiming or killing someone and having to live with those consequences; assuming of course that they survive themselves.
"The vast area covered this weekend shows that we can be anywhere at any time and if you have been drinking you will be caught. It's not worth the risk and it's a crying shame that a minority of people still can't seem to grasp that."
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 06 351 2546 or 027 234 8256.