Disappointing start to long weekend for EBOP Police

Eastern Bay of Plenty Police have had a disappointing start to the long weekend after a drink drive operation last night saw seven people processed for drink driving in Whakatane, six in Opotiki and one in Kawerau/Matata area.

"To be frank, this is a total disappointment to us – and it should also be a disappointment to every member of the community," says the Acting Area Commander for EBOP, Inspector Anna Jackson.

"Eastern Bay of Plenty has a terrible historic record when it comes to drink driving and drink driving fatalities.

"We thought we had seen a turnaround, with just two fatalities this year, compared to 11 for the same period last year. However, last night's operation sadly confirms that the message still isn't getting through to our local people.

"Road safety is everyone's responsibility and it is time we all took this seriously."

Inspector Jackson says the Queen's Birthday Weekend road policing operation has only just started for EBOP, with Police rostered across the long weekend to be out in force in an effort to prevent crashes and trauma on the roads.

"By now many people will have heard in the media that there will be a four km/hour speed tolerance this weekend. We will be actively policing that tolerance – if you are travelling more than four kilometres over the speed limit, you can expect to be stopped and you can expect to be breath-tested.

"But that's not the only focus for us this weekend. Our drink drive operation will be continuing, with a strong emphasis on alcohol and those who drink and drive."

Inspector Jackson says Police will also be putting a focus on fatigued drivers.

"If you are travelling anywhere this long weekend, please be patient with your journey. Plan your stops and make sure you take a break. We want you to get to your destination safely as much as you do."