Significant reduction in deaths on Taupo Area roads thanks to Operation Trench

A strong focus on road policing on state highways in the Taupo area over the past four months has paid off, with no fatal car crashes in the area since November. This is a significant improvement on the same period the previous year when there were 14 fatalities on Taupo roads in the same period.

The officer in charge of the Taupo road policing group, Senior Sergeant Fane Troy, says the operation – known as Operation Trench – has had a positive effect on driver behavior, as well as the road toll.

Operation Trench has involved Police targeting drivers traveling six kilometres above the speed limit, as well as a focus on drink, drug and dangerous driving.

"The results speak for themselves. Since early November 2009 we have not attended a fatal crash in our area. This means families are not losing husbands, wives, sons, daughters or friends because of the poor behaviour of drivers on our roads. At the same time, our staff and other emergency services haven't had to deal with the trauma and aftermath of these incidents."

Since the inception of Operation Trench, the Taupö Area Road Policing Group has stopped more than 4000 vehicles. Twenty-four per cent (24%) of those drivers stopped were travelling between 6km/hr and 10km/hr over the posted speed limit.

"The speeds throughout the Taupö and South Waikato areas are dropping, but there are still those out there who habitually travel at 6km/hr and above the posted speed limit. These people will continue to be targeted, however, it is pleasing to see that the 'Speed Kills' message is starting to get through to others."

Senior Sergeant Troy says one driver was recently stopped travelling at 170km/hr on Tar Hill, State Highway One, Tokoroa.

"People travelling at these speeds are putting lives at risk. The distance to be able to stop increases dramatically and if they were to collide with an object while travelling at that speed the result would be catastrophic."

Senior Sergeant Troy says members of the public have also played a role in contributing to the good results.

"The public have assisted in apprehending drunk drivers as well as dangerous drivers. Those members of the public who contact the Police are making a difference and I am confident that a number of these calls have stopped crashes from occurring. I applaud all those callers who contact Police."

Police encourage the public to report all dangerous driving matters immediately.

"That call you make may save a life."