Drink drive operation in Waitakere City nabs 95.

This weekend Police conducted an operation targeting drink driving in Waitakere City; this was with the assistance of Waitemata District traffic units and the specialised Traffic Alcohol Group.

Operation ' West Guard' 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 29th May at 2000 hours and concluded at 0400 hours on Sunday 31st May.

The operation saw a total of 9 checkpoints strategically placed around the Waitakere suburbs. A total of 95 drivers were detected driving with excess breath alcohol. 24 of these drivers elected to have blood tests taken, which will determine whether or not they too will face court proceedings.

Senior Sergeant Regan James says that he is appalled with the attitude of some motorists to drink driving. In one incident a female motorist was so intoxicated that she had to be taken to hospital by an ambulance and will be facing a charge of driving whilst incapable.

A total of 27 drivers had their licenses suspended due to the high alcohol levels detected, another 10 persons were arrested for a variety of offences including warrants, driving and drug offences.

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. Police actively promote the use of Host Responsibility, Sober drivers, Taxi's, and Dial a Driver as alternatives,

Waitakere Police will continue to target drivers who choose to drink and drive to ensure the roads are safe for our community.