Drink drive operation in Waitakere

This weekend Police conducted an operation targeting drink driving in Waitakere City; this was with the assistance of Waitematä District traffic units and the specialised Traffic Alcohol Group. The Ministry of Justice Collections business units were also involved in fines and vehicle seizures.

The large scale operation was conducted to target alcohol impaired drivers and as a result a number of compulsory breath testing check points were set up in specific locations throughout the Waitakere area. The operation commenced on Friday 30th April at 8pm and concluded at 4am on Sunday 2nd May.

The operation saw a total of 10360 vehicles stopped at nine check points strategically placed around the Waitakere suburbs. A total of 71 drivers were detected driving with excess breath alcohol 23 of these drivers elected to have blood tests taken, which will determine whether or not they too will face court proceedings.

A total of 23 drivers had their licenses suspended due to the high alcohol levels detected, another 15 persons were arrested for a variety of offences including Breach of Bail, Fines Warrants, Driving whilst disqualified, Driving whilst forbidden.

Ministry of Justice collectors were also present and seized a total of 34 vehicles with outstanding fines totaling over $77,000.

Sergeant Dave Campbell says that there will be a number of further operations targeting alcohol and drugged driver's to reinforce the drink/drug driving message.