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Western Bay of Plenty Police appalled at drink driver reading - "one of the worst"

Friday 4 June 2010, 1:08PM

By New Zealand Police

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BAY OF PLENTY

At 1.45pm on Thursday 3 June 2010 police received a report from a member of the public in relation to a vehicle travelling on State Highway 2, Te Puke which was weaving over the road.

Police located the vehicle on Strand Road, Te Puke a short time later and the driver was described by the police staff as grossly intoxicated. The driver underwent breath testing procedures resulting in a breath alcohol reading of over 1780 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath, well over three times the legal adult limit.

The driver, a 55 year old Ohope man had travelled from Whakatane and is believed to have been making his way to Hamilton.

The man was held in custody until he sobered up and will appear in the Tauranga District Court on 16 June 2010.

Senior Sergeant Campion said that the reporting of this incident to police is very likely to have prevented injury or even worse to other innocent road users and the informant is to be commended. Ian encourages the use of the *555 reporting system to advise police of poor driving and says that whilst we may not always be in a position to intervene there are a significant number of calls which result in drivers being taken off the road or prosecuted.

Ian said he was appalled by the high alcohol level and it is one of the highest readings over recent times in the Western Bay of Plenty. Despite widespread media coverage and consistent targeting of drunk and drugged drivers the message was still not sinking in with some motorists.

A further four drink drivers were apprehended by the Western Bay of Plenty Traffic Alcohol group between 3-9am this morning, Friday 4 June 2010 with one of those results exceeding 1000 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath.

Senior Sergeant Ian Campion said that he was not impressed with this lead up to Queens Birthday weekend and urged drivers to drive sensibly.

The focus on drink drive will continue over the holiday period and he warns drivers against getting behind the wheel after they've had a few as they can expect to be breath tested anytime, anywhere.

Help make with this holiday period a safe one - please don't drink and drive.