Rodney Police have launched a ten-week road policing campaign in the District,in what is a concerted drive to reduce the number of road crashes and fatalities in the region.
Codenamed "Operation Diffuse," the initiative will continue until November.
Acting Area Commander, Inspector Paul Marshall, says the Rodney District Council and ACC, have both offered their unprecedented support to this Police operation. Both organisations endorse the road safety campaign.
"The Police are on a mission. Over the next few weeks we intend to reduce the number of serious crashes on the State Highways and rural roads in the Rodney District, by targeting those persons who drink and drive, speed, practice poor driving behaviour, fail to use proper restraints, and breach their driving licence status," he said.
'This Operation is timely, given the number of serious road crashes that have historically occurred during the current school holiday and pre-Xmas periods.'
'Over same period last year, there were nine deaths from seven serious crashes recorded on Rodney's roads. Of those nine who died, three were local and six were from other parts of New Zealand. A large number of drivers will travel in the Rodney region during this operation. Most of them will be from Auckland.'
"We will be using our resources to educate everyone in safer driving practice on all local roads and highways in the region. The Booze bus, mobile speed cameras, compulsory breath test checkpoints will all be highly visible at strategic locations for the entire duration of the campaign," Mr. Marshall said.
'We exercise a zero tolerance towards dangerous driving behaviours, and no effort will be spared to drive the message home that Police intend to make the district's roads safer for everyone. If you drink N drive you will be caught.'
"On occasions traffic flows will be disrupted due to our police operations. We say it is better to arrive late than not to arrive at all. Our primary interest is in the reduction of the road toll in Rodney, and in the overall safety of all road users," he said.
"I encourage everyone in the local Rodney community to support this initiative involving the District Council, ACC, and Police. Residents can play a vital role by reporting to us instances of poor driving behaviour, by preventing persons from drinking and driving, and by complying with the road laws themselves," Inspector Marshall said.
Among the police officers engaged in this operation will be those who are members of the Highway Patrols, Traffic Alcohol Group [TAG], Strategic Traffic Units [STU], and mobile camera operators from within the NSWR Police District.
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