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 PLATEAU," the initiative will continue until June.
Operation Commander, Senior Sergeant Bill RUSSELL says the Rodney District Council and ACC have again offered their customary high level support to this Police operation. Both organisations endorse the road safety campaign.
"The Police are on a mission. Over the next few months 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 winter seasons.
'Our intelligence tells us these months traditionally are a time when there are high crash rates. Motorists travelling on Rodney's rural highways are often at considerable risk so police intend to break this cycle with Operation PLATEAU.'
"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. RUSSELL 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.'
"It is possible that our police operations may cause some traffic flows to slow. Our commitment is in the cause of everyone's safety and we know that drivers will appreciate and understand that. The focus of this operation is to reduce the road toll in Rodney, plus ensure that all road users drive safely," he said.
"I encourage everyone in the 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," Senior Sergeant RUSSELL 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 the Waitemata Police District.
ENDS:
Operation PLATEAU Commander
Senior Sergeant Bill RUSSELL is available to media on request.
Contact via:
Kevin [Kev] Loughlin
District Communications Manager / Media Advisor
Waitemata Police
Telephone 09 488 9758
Mobile 027 -281- 0271