Central Police in recent weeks have run an operation targeting drink-drivers in the lead up to the Christmas season.
Taranaki and Manawatu Police collaborated on this operation, with Impairment Prevention Teams from both Taranaki and Manawatu working together across the District.
Kicking off in the Taranaki region on 22 November and 23 November the Impairment Prevention Team conducted over 6,000 breath tests, with 25 excess breath alcohol notices issued including summonses to Court for drink-driving and other driver related offending, alongside 12 non-alcohol related infringements and several vehicle impounds.
A fortnight later, the team were down in Manawatu for three nights, between December 6 and 9. Over that period over 12,500 people were breath tested, with 19 excess breath alcohol notices issued including summonses to Court alongside 31 non-alcohol related infringements and several more vehicle impounds.
These numbers are concerning, and Police are reminding people that if you are drinking, do not drive. Checkpoints will be seen more often throughout the summer period, and there is zero tolerance for drink-driving.
While in Palmerston North, officers were pleasantly surprised when a lady threw a bag of lollies out of her window to them, thanking them for the good work they do.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre