Drinkers still driving

A weekend anti drink-drive campaign by Auckland City Police and the specialist Traffic Alcohol Group saw 107 people detected driving with excess breath alcohol. 18 people elected to have blood tests taken, which will determine whether or not they too will face court proceedings.

Operation 'Safer Roads' was run in and around the city from 3am on Saturday 9th September and Sunday 10th September. At this time of the morning drivers are a high risk due to fatigue. 6,850 vehicles were stopped. 26 who tested positive for excess breath alcohol were teenagers aged under 20.

Several of the drivers caught during this operation returned a breath reading of over 1000. The permitted level is 400. There were several drivers who classed themselves as 'the sober driver' and came to pick up drivers who had been processed for drinking and driving - and they themselves were stopped at checkpoints and found to be over the limit.

One of these thought to be 'sober drivers' blew 800. Double the legal limit. When people are called to uplift friends or family after they have been apprehended they should ensure they haven't been drinking.
7 people were arrested for outstanding warrants, unlawfully on property and driving whilst disqualified

5 cars were impounded and 26 licences were suspended.

Police are very disappointed as there were fewer vehicles stopped when compared with other drink drive operations and these results show that the message is not getting through. There are a large number of taxis being used and police commend those people using them. However - the number of drink drivers around the city streets of Auckland is still a big concern.

Police will continue to have checkpoints this year and would like to say those drivers who chose to Drink and Drive - You Will Be Caught!

Police will be there - Any Time - Any Place - Any Weather.!!!

ENDS

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