Worried frowns turned to happy smiles when motorists who stopped at a police checkpoint in Oamaru yesterday morning received Christmas treats instead of tickets.
Oamaru builder David Ovens (left), accompanied in his vehicle by dog Jasper, was pleasantly surprised to be given a chocolate santa by Sam Wilson (17).
Organised by Oamaru marketing company The Big O, the giveaway gave highway patrol officers a chance to show motorists another side of the police as well as to promote road safety, including taking breaks on long trips, patrol Senior Sergeant Peter Muldrew said.
The checkpoint was set up at Oamaru's northern boundary outside Waitaki Transport, motorists being directed off the road into a lay-by.
There, they were greeted by young people from the Waitaki Youth Council carrying buckets - initially, some drivers thought they were asking for donations and produced money.
Instead, motorists received vouchers or chocolates, provided by McDonald's, Regina Confectionery and McKeown Petroleum.
The checkpoint operated for about 20 minutes from 10.15am.
