Police remind drivers to drive safely following operation

Please attribute to Sergeant Ray Wylie, Road Policing Manager, Eastern Bay of Plenty

Eastern Bay of Plenty Police Police wish to remind drivers to drive safely following a traffic operation that took place in the Whakatane area on Monday 19 November.

Police undertook the safe-driving campaign on State Highway 30, Whakatane targeting the two roundabouts on SH30 intersecting with Keepa Road and Gateway Drive, Whakatane.

The campaign was a result of complaints from members of the public, and Police observations of poor driving in the area.

In total twenty-six infringement notices were issued for a number of offences including; cellphone use, failing to give way at a roundabout, failing to stay within one’s own lane and not using seatbelts.

A similar operation was held on the 21st of August 2018.

In the August operation fifty-five infringement notices were issued for various offences at the same location.

Although we are pleased that the number of infringements is down, this in part can be attributed to a lower traffic volume.

Our main concerns are drivers who cut across lanes while negotiating the roundabouts, resulting in near crashes as drivers exit Keepa Road, Phoenix Road and Gateway Drive.

We need to work together - please take responsibility for your driving and reduce the risk to yourselves and others.

Our message to all road users is clear: Don’t drive distracted, stay within your own lane, buckle up, watch your speed, and never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

ENDS

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