Pleasing Response To Booze Bus Operation
New Zealand Police Central News Release
11:52am 1 December 2008
http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release.html?id=4520

Over 1,000 drivers were stopped during booze bus operations in Otaki and Levin on Friday (28 November) with nine people found to be over the drink-drive limit.

The operations kicked off around 4.30pm on Friday to coincide with the Otaki Races. Staff from the Traffic Alcohol Group and two Highway Patrol units set up a checkpoint on Rahui Road.

During this phase which ran until approximately 9pm, 1,055 vehicles were stopped with seven drivers found to be over the limit.

Between 11pm and 1am on Saturday morning 165 vehicles were stopped in Levin with a further two people found to be over the limit.

During both phases a number of additional people tested were found to be just under the limit. Although just outside enforcement, there is still a chance that their driving would be impaired, so it is equally concerning that these people were also prepared to take to the road.

Both at Otaki and Levin a number of infringement notices were issued for matters such as warrant of fitness, registration and licence matters. This included a couple of cases where people were driving on expired licences.

Acting Sergeant Graeme Topping of the Traffic Alcohol Group, said: "It is always disappointing when you find a minority of people ignoring very clear messages about drink-driving. However we are pleased overall with the success of the day. Word appeared to spread quickly that we were in the area and we witnessed a significant number of people taking the sensible step of walking to and from the event or arranging lifts. It was also pleasing to see a number of chartered buses transporting larger groups. Our work is as much about raising awareness about road safety and deterring motorists from taking risks as it is about enforcement."

ENDS

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