Police were out in force over the weekend as part of a multi-agency road policing operation.
The operation was run with support of the bailiffs from the Nelson Court and vehicle inspectors from NZ Transport Agency. It also included staff from the Canterbury Traffic Alcohol Group and the Nelson Strategic Traffic Unit.
• A total of 9857 vehicles were stopped at checkpoints throughout Nelson City and Motueka over the 3 nights.
• 13 people are facing prosecution for driving under the influence of alcohol.
• 5 disqualified drivers were apprehended.
• 15 drivers had their licences suspended for periods ranging from 28 days to 3 months for various offences.
• 40 vehicles with defects were identified by LTNZ Inspectors and the vehicles had non operation orders imposed on them.
• 316 infringement notices were issued for various offences including breaches of graduated licence conditions, non wearing of seatbelts, vehicle defects etc.
• 4 offenders were arrested for non traffic related offences including domestic assault, and warrants to arrest.
The bailiffs were successful in locating many people with unpaid fines and arrangements were made for payment of those fines. The courts also impounded 5 vehicles belonging to fines defaulters.
Highway Patrol Team LeaderSergeant Stu Wright said while it was disappointing that 13 people had driven after drinking, the positive thing was the operation was successful in netting them and getting them off the road, along with the five disqualified drivers.
Sergeant Wright said working with the other agencies proved very successful.
"This multi agency approach is something we will utilise more. We're sending a very clear message to the public that drink driving won't be tolerated."
Sergeant Wright said further operations were planned.
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