With many expected to take a “super break” next week to enjoy a ten-day holiday between Easter and ANZAC weekends, Counties Manukau Police will be out in force with a focus on speed and alcohol.
The operation will run from Thursday 17 April until Monday 28 April and encompasses two long weekends. A lowered speed tolerance of 4km/h will be in play during this time with the hope that a lower average speed on the road will lead to a reduction in road trauma.
“Last week the Counties Manukau Serious Crash Unit was called to two fatal incidents,” says Counties Manukau Police Road Policing Manager Inspector Neil Fisher. “This is the loss of two lives, a traumatic experience for two families. We hope that by focusing on lowering the average speed on the roads in the District we can ensure no other families have to experience the trauma of losing a loved one.
“It’s also likely that the serious wind and rain that is expected this weekend will impact on traffic and the conditions of the road. Wet and slippery roads are dangerous and drivers must reduce speed to stay safe.”
Alcohol is another focus for Police in Counties Manukau District and all drivers should expect to be breath tested at any time when stopped for any reason.
“A number of Compulsory Breath Test checkpoints will be set up over the next ten days and we are aiming to ensure there are no dangerous drivers on the road,” says Inspector Fisher. “Ordinary New Zealanders tell me that they do not want to be on the road with drunk or dangerous drivers and we ask that everyone thinks twice before getting behind the wheel after drinking.”
A fatigue stop for holiday commuters will be set up in Drury to remind drivers heading south to stay refreshed before they embark on a lengthy stretch of open road.
All Police officers on the road in Counties Manukau this weekend will be tasked to look for people who are rsiking their lives by speeding, not wearing their seatbelts and drinking and driving.
“If there was one message I could convey to road users for the next ten days it would be to remember that being safe on the road comes down to your choices. Make sure you make the right ones,” says Inspector Fisher.
ENDS
Issued by Kimberley Mathews/Communications Manager, Counties Manukau Police
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021 192 0717