Driving behaviour on Canterbury roads disappoints

Canterbury Police are disappointed by the driving behaviour being shown by some Canterbury drivers in the wake of the earthquake.

"In an emergency situation common sense has to prevail and Police have shown a lot of discretion in relation to some offences," says Inspector Al Stewart, Canterbury Road Policing Manager. "However, the emergency period has passed and drivers now need to get back to obeying all the relevant traffic regulations."

Basic road rules around speed, seatbelts, hand-held cell-phone use and compliance with intersections controls are there to protect drivers, their passengers and other road users from crash and injuries, he says.

"We are seeing far too many people speeding, running red lights and stop signs, and using hand-held cell-phones due to the apparent misconception that Police are occupied elsewhere and not available to enforce the road rules," says Inspector Stewart. "That's not the case and Police are actively focusing on road safety."

Canterbury Police are also focusing on drink-driving in suburban areas after reports of local licensed premises increasing their trade due to bars in the CBD being closed down.

"Patrols are catching far too many drink-drivers leaving either suburban bars or friend's houses thinking they are safe to get home, and this will form part of our focus over the next few weeks."