Comment permalink

Members of the new Dunedin impaired drivers prevention team (from left) Constables Nathan Adam,...
Members of the new Dunedin impaired drivers prevention team (from left) Constables Nathan Adam, Ben Catchpole, Josh Walters and Abbey Loveday are ready to hit the road. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH
Drink drivers of Dunedin have been put on notice.

A new team of police has been established in Dunedin to specifically target impaired drivers in the Otago Coastal area.

Nearly 1000 motorists were stopped at a checkpoint on Ravensbourne Rd between 5.45pm and 7.30pm on Tuesday.

Of the 928 vehicles pulled over, 36 had alcohol detected on their breath and were given a second breath test.

One infringement notice was issued for drink-driving.

Constable Ben Catchpole said the aim of the initiative was to do high visibility checkpoints so the public were aware that driving under the influence was not acceptable.

"We will be targeting those who flout the rules," he said.

The team had been up and running for a couple of weeks, and was one of several created around the country.

There was a focus on drink driving due to the time of year, as Christmas parties abounded. But it was not just about the silly season, he said.

"Unfortunately we’re still seeing people who want to have a sneaky drink after work, then think it’s OK to drive.

"The majority of the public are generally pretty good, but unfortunately there are still a few who flout those rules and put themselves and others at risk."

daisy.hudson@odt.co.nz

Comments

No word on drug impaired drivers, I guess they will only be driving to a concert, so all good then

No word on distracted drivers either. Cell phone use is totally out of control. I witnessed today a truck driver looking down at the steering wheel, using two thumbs, texting on his phone, with a passenger in the seat, approaching a roundabout in the Ward St area. If the number plate wasn't obscured, I would have reported the incident. Every set of lights, drivers on their phones. The amount of oncoming traffic I see...on their phones. You stupid people, risking the lives of others - for nothing. Get off your bloody phones! Australia is very tough on this, we could learn from that.

 

Advertisement