Drink Drive Operation in Waitakere

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.

The operation was supported by Waitakere City Council Officers and the Ministry of Justice, Business Collections Unit, who accompanied Police.

Operation 'SAFE WEST II was conducted to target the drink driver and as a result a number of checkpoints were set up in specific locations throughout the Waitakere area.

The operation commenced on Friday 7th November at 1900 hours and concluded at 0200 hours on Sunday 9th November 2008.

The operation saw a total of 21 checkpoints strategically placed around the Waitakere suburbs.

A total of 72 drivers were detected driving with excess breath alcohol. 18 of these drivers elected to have blood tests taken, which will determine whether or not they too will face court proceedings.

A total of 11 vehicles were impounded during the evenings and 16 persons had their licences suspended.

There were 9 persons arrested for a variety of offences including warrants, driving offences and one person who was wearing a home detention electronic monitoring ankle bracelet was arrested for a breach of home detention.

Drink driving is a serious offence and we can all make a difference to eliminate the sorrow that is caused from alcohol related injury crashes.

The responsibility lies with every person to promote safe driving through being strong enough to challenge our current alcohol culture.

As Christmas approaches Waitakere Police will be targeting drivers who choose to drink and drive to ensure the roads are safe for our community.