Road Policing Media Release

Police Swoop removes 274 Drink Drivers from Counties Manukau Roads.

Counties Manukau Road Policing Manager Inspector Heather Wells is offering no apology for coming down hard on drivers who break the law. There have been some horrific crashes over the past few weeks and alcohol has been a high factor in a number of these.

As a result Operation Safer Counties-Manukau was run on Friday and Saturday nights with checkpoints on several roads including the Southern Motorway. 13,356 vehicles were stopped and drivers breath tested. 274 returned positive results and these drivers will face prosecution in the next two weeks. 34 drivers had blood samples taken and are awaiting results.

Despite being apprehended and blowing tests over the limit a few drivers obtain other keys and drove again - but were stopped at other checkpoints. They do anything to try and get home and by doing so put other peoples lives at risk.

During the hours of the Operation, it was observed that Illegal Street racer activity was dramatically reduced. There were less crashes on the roads, the hospital had quieter than normal evenings and the Police response vehicles had time to be proactive.

Bailiffs accompanied Police at a number of the checkpoint sites. They executed 48 Warrants, removed 34 vehicles and cleared outstanding fines amounting to $94,867.

Police rostered salvage operators towed in excess of 100 vehicles for Driving whilst Disqualified, Driving whilst forbidden and vehicles removed for fines outstanding to Justice.

20 arrests were made for threatening to kill, stolen vehicles, weapons, refusing blood, breach of bail, wanted on warrant and wilful damage.

71 drivers licences were suspended.

Inspector Wells says police alone can not effect the change of attitude around Drink Driving and there is an urgent need for the community at large to change their behaviour toward this type of offending.

Given the results of this weekend, Police are committed to continue with this hard line approach to remove these high risk offenders to ensure safety for other road users.