13-year-old driver stopped on SH1

Police are alarmed at the apparent lack of concern for the safety of her children displayed by a mother who allowed her 13 year old daughter to drive her and a young child along State Highway One near Wellington today.

A police patrol stopped the vehicle driven by the youth after observing it moving in an erratic fashion along the highway.

When queried as to her actions the 45 year old woman, who holds only an expired licence, advised the officer that her daughter was driving as she had a toothache. She also suggested that this was ok as she was nearly 14 years of age.

A number of traffic related offence notices have been issued as a result.