Police target boozing drivers in festive run-in

Police are increasing their presence on roads in the lead-up to Christmas. PHOTO / FILE

Hawke's Bay drivers may have noticed more police on roads at the weekend, a trend set to continue in the lead-up to Christmas as cops clamp down on drink-driving.

Inspector Dean Clifford said motorists could expect an increased police presence and a higher chance of being breath-tested.

"There's been an increased focus on visibility and there will be even more staff out next weekend."

Last night there had been 30 police checkpoints deployed in Hawke's Bay in 72 hours.

Hawke's Bay Road Policing Senior Sergeant Greg Brown said there had been 10 drivers found with excess breath alcohol at the weekend, "which is high".

Mr Clifford could not confirm there had been an increase in checkpoints, but said police had "planned to increase the focus on alcohol with the implementation of the new [drink-driving] laws".

"Next weekend we're having an operation focussed on alcohol. It's part of the annual pre-Christmas push."

Under the new drink-driving laws implemented this month, drivers who fail an evidential breath test between 251mcg and 400mcg of alcohol per litre of breath will receive an infringement notice with a $200 infringement fee and 50 demerit points.

Drivers who are over 400mcg of alcohol per litre of breath, or 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, will continue to face criminal charges.

For drivers under the age of 20 years, the limit remains at zero.

The blood alcohol limit has also been lowered from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 50mg, which brings New Zealand into line with Australia's laws, as well as other developed countries including Germany, France, Austria and Italy.