A driver who fled police in Lower Hutt late yesterday is in a critical condition in Wellington Hospital after crashing.
Highway patrol staff highway patrol staff were alerted to a speeding car about 10.45pm and a pursuit along Eastern Hutt Road followed, road policing manager Inspector Peter Baird said.
"Speeds of up to 150kmh were reached over a two-kilometre stretch of road where the speed limit was 70kmh and 80kmh. No other vehicles were involved in the pursuit," Mr Baird said.
The pursuit ended when the driver's car slid and crashed into a power pole.
Sixteen people have been killed this year after being pursued by police, the worst toll on record.
While police in last night's incident referred to a pursuit, it was reported today that they had recently implemented a policy to stop using the words "pursuit" or "chase" and instead refer to "fleeing drivers".
