Driver offending ‘frightening'

Police are worried about driving behaviour after several motorists were fined on the highway to Milford Sound after receiving safedriving advice and being warned in advance of police checkpoints.

Some drivers got multiple tickets, and one driver drove off from a checkpoint on the right-hand side of the road, it was reported yesterday.

Sergeant Cameron Sigley, who led the education and enforcement blitz, said he had been surprised by the number and kind of offences.

Particularly worrying was the behaviour of drivers on Tuesday afternoon after police had briefed nearly every Milford-bound motorist during the morning, he said.

Drivers were given a safety pamphlet, driving advice and were told the highway was the South Island's most dangerous.

Three checkpoints faced that afternoon's returning traffic. Police issued 32 speeding tickets ranging from $120 to $400, and 29 notices for crossing the centre line at $150 each.

To see so many drivers offending after the briefing was frightening, Sgt Sigley said.

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