Northland has recorded its lowest fiscal year road toll in 30 years.
For the year ending June 2011 there were 14 deaths on the region's roads, which is well below the 30 year average of 37 deaths.
Northland Road Policing Manager Inspector Clifford Paxton says in only three years since the 1980/1981 fiscal year has Northland got below 30 deaths and never before has it been under 20.
Mr Paxton says the low road toll is a combination of enforcement, education, engineering and a community prepared to make changes.
He says Police have been working closely with its partner agencies, such as local authorities, NZTA, ACC, Northland Health and Roadsafe Northland to achieve this result and he would like to thank them for the hard work that has gone into ensuring that less and less people are dying on the region's roads.
"The community has also played a part by taking heed of the messages to ensure their loved ones drive safely.
Fewer deaths on our roads don't happen by chance or luck, but require a great deal of work by a great number of people and requires the community to come on board."
Two initiatives, involving Police and other agencies, are currently taking place to reduce the number of drink drivers on the roads.
The Traffic Alcohol G roup (TAG) Alcohol and Drug Helpline Project, which is being run in conjunction with Northland Health, began in May.
Each person who has identified as having a positive breath alcohol test is given an Alcohol and Drug Helpline Card and ALAC "Drink Check" pamphlet.
They are offered the opportunity to be referred to the Helpline and, with consent, the Helpline will provide a counselling service over the phone.
If necessary they can be referred to an alcohol and drug counsellor.
The Whanau/Hapu Drink Drive programme involves a partnership between Northland Police, ACC and Northland District Health.
ACC supported the programme with $25,000 in the 2009/2010 year, but now it is operated under 'business as usual' by Police along with Northland Health.
As part of the programme, the police identify recidivist drink drivers in the community and then they are invited to a whänau/hapü hui. If they don't wish to attend a hui they are given information about services that can help them.
The hui involves family members, Northland Health staff or other agencies that provide alcohol and drug services, iwi liaison officers and the Road Policing Manager.
At the hui service providers go through steps, with the person and their family, to prevent the person getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol.
Further options for alcohol and drug counselling are also provided.
Mr Paxton says the feedback from agencies involved in the programme has been positive.
"They see it as incredibly important in terms of building relationships, particularly between police and those in the community.
It gives the people involved an insight into police and they see a side of us that is different than what they are used to. In turn police see offenders attending the hui as people, not just offenders."
Clifford says many of the recidivist drink drivers who have been approached are open to being helped.
Last calendar year Northland recorded the lowest road toll (22 deaths) in 40 years and with five deaths so far this year is looking towards recording another low road toll.
For further information contact Northland Police Communications Officer Sarah Kennett on 09 430 4525 or 027 494 1214.