This week has been an eventful one for police officers who are routinely engaged in general Highway Patrol duties, north of the Harbour Bridge.
Police say that about 1.45pm yesterday afternoon Wednesday 6 December 2006, a 32 year old male motor cyclist was checked at 127 kilometres per hour while travelling south on Puhoi Road, near Orewa. The Highway Patrol officer was unable to turn his vehicle around in time to pursue the rider, and a radio call was made for assistance from three other police patrols in the area.
The motorcyclist realising he was about to be caught attempted to elude Police but he was eventually located hiding behind a bush in the Wenderholm Reserve. A quantity of methamphetamine, and a large sum of cash was recovered. Orewa Police were on hand to assist, and arrested the rider. He's been charged with various drug and traffic offences and is to appear in the North Shore District Court today.
In another recent incident a motorist was stopped on State Highway One at Silverdale after being checked travelling at a speed of 141 kilometres per hour.
While speaking to the driver about his offending, the Highway Patrol Officer noticed that the driver was not wearing his seat belt, and that he was sitting on.... a pillow.
The driver offered no explanation as to why he had no seat in his Subaru station wagon. A 21 year old male of Whangaparaoa has had his drivers licence suspended for the mandatory 28 days, and is to face charges relating to speed, not wearing a restraint [seat belt] and for not having a seat firmly secured in his car.
Highway Patrol Officers urge everyone to drive carefully, and have a safe Christmas.
Ends:
Kevin [Kev] Loughlin
District Communications Manager / Media Advisor
North Shore / Waitakere / Rodney Police District
12-14 Northcroft Street - Takapuna - Auckland
Phone 09 488 9758 - Extn 96308
Mobile 027 281 0271
Email - kevin.loughlin@police.govt.nz