Drink drive operation in Waitakere City

This weekend Waitakere Police conducted an operation targeting drink driving.

This was with the assistance of Waitemata District traffic units and the specialised Traffic Alcohol Group.

Operation West Stop was conducted to target the drink driver and as a result a number of checkpoints were set up in strategically placed locations throughout the Waitakere area.

The operation commenced on Friday the 11th of April at 2000Hrs and concluded at 0400Hrs on Sunday the 13th of April 2008.

The Operation saw a total of 6099 vehicles stopped and breath tested at the checkpoint locations.

Of these vehicles a total of 51 drivers were detected driving with excess breath alcohol.

17 of these drivers elected to have blood tests taken which will determine whether or not they will face court proceedings.

A total of 7 vehicles were impounded and 12 people had their licenses suspended.

There were 10 people arrested for a variety of offences including breach of bail, possession of cannabis for supply, dangerous driving causing injury and disqualified driving.

A similar operation was conducted in Waitakere in February and March 2008 and while the number of vehicles stopped in this weekend's operation were less than earlier this year it is a disappointment to observe that a large number of people are still choosing to drink and drive.

The damage and sorrow that is caused from alcohol related crashes is a concern to a large number of people however it appears that this message is not clear to those who make that choice to drink and drive.

This is an opportunity for friends and family to assist in reducing this number of crashes by ensuring that these drivers make other arrangements so they are able to also get to their destinations without endangering the innocent motorists on our roads.

 

The clear message from the Waitakere Police to those persons who choose to drink and drive on our roads is that we will be taking every opportunity to ensure you get caught.