A series of checkpoints from Thursday to Saturday night in Auckland stopped more than fifty drunk drivers.
During the three days, a total of 24,197 vehicles passed through the 21 c
heckpoints, operated by Traffic Alcohol Group (TAG) teams, Strategic Traffic Units and Motorways staff.
51 drivers failed an evidential breath test, a further 21 drivers opted for blood tests that have been sent away for analysis.
The checkpoints resulted in 11 vehicles being seized, three suspended drivers being stopped and 203 infringement offence notices being issued for reasons including licence offences and vehicle defects.
Inspector Dave Walker, O/C of Motorways and the Traffic Alcohol Group (TAG) says, "If people continue to drink and drive and not consider other options like either a taxi or having a sober driver, they will suffer the consequences."
Last year in the week before Christmas, Auckland checkpoints picked up 28 drunk drivers; this last week there was a total of at least 51 drivers.
Inspector Walker says, "TAG teams are working longer hours in Auckland so drunk drivers are coming across more checkpoints and this may contribute to why such a high number of drivers were caught. But it is clear some drivers are still under a mistaken illusion that they can get away with drinking and driving," says Inspector Walker.
Throughout the holiday period people can expect to see more checkpoints in the Auckland area as well as at summer spots like Orewa and Piha.
As well as targeting Auckland, booze buses will also focus on holiday spots where Aucklanders go to play like Raglan and Mt Maunganui.
On a national level an analysis of crashes this year shows drink-driving has contributed to 28% of fatal crashes.
During the 2002/2003 Christmas period there were 17 deaths and 322 people were injured. Alcohol was a contributing factor in 17 percent of crashes.
Issued by:
Jayson Rhodes,
Communications Manager, North Shore/Waitakere/Rodney Police District
488-9758 or 027 281-0271