Disappointing drink drive results from EBOP operation

Sergeant Ray Wylie of the Eastern Bay of Plenty Road Policing unit says he is very disappointed at the high numbers of drink drivers apprehended during a recent drink drive operation in the area.

Operation Safer Journey was run between 19 and 22 May, targeting drunk and impaired drivers.

During the campaign, 2328 drivers were stopped and breath tested, with 33 drivers processed for driving with excess breath alcohol. Two of these drivers elected a blood test.

Four drivers were arrested for driving while disqualified, 12 drivers were suspended from driving due to high breath test results and seven vehicles were seized during the campaign.

"It is about time drunk and impaired drivers stopped placing their lives and the lives of all motorists at risk by drinking and driving.

"The Eastern Bay of Plenty has one of the highest rates of fatalities where alcohol is a significant contributory factor and this must be rectified."

Sergeant Wylie says Police in the Eastern Bay of Plenty will continue to target intoxicated motorists as a number of operations of this nature are planned in the near future.