Canterbury Police have continued an operation focussed at high risk drivers who are part of the Graduated Driver Licensing System aged between 16 and 19 years old and living in the Canterbury District.
Working in partnership with the Police Infringement Bureau and Canterbury District Health Board, young drivers who have been issued an Infringement Offence Notice are given the option of attending the seminar instead of paying fine*.
Senior Sergeant Dean Harker said "The first seminar was held earlier this week and was attended by almost 60 drivers with a third bringing their caregiver with them. This allowed us take a more preventative approach by passing on road safety advice rather than issuing an infringement notice for their first offence. "
The 90 minute seminar is being held at Christchurch Central Police Station where specialised Road Policing officers are joined by trauma staff from Christchurch Hospital to talk about the effects of crashes both to the people involved, their family and the wider community. A representative from the City Council Road Safety team, a local driving instructor and an insurance representative will also be speaking at the seminar and available to give advice.
Attendees are encouraged to being their caregiver with them and will also learn how to speed up acquiring their full license, pros and cons of insurance and the consequences of vehicle accidents and peer pressure.
Police have received over 100 referrals from across the District during the month-long operation and have received positive feedback from those that have attended the seminar.
* an infringement notice would usually cost $100 and carry 35 demerit points - note offenders will only receive this invitation and warning once.
ENDS
Media contact:
Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District
Mobile: 021 942 404