Concern over recidivist drink drivers

Police are "deeply concerned" at the number of recidivist drink drivers after a weekend blitz in Manukau and Papakura.

Counties Manukau road policing manager Inspector Heather Wells said 9540 drivers were stopped at eight checkpoints over two nights.

Of those, 205 had been charged with driving with excess breath alcohol.

"The roads were quieter this weekend but the drunks were still out there," Ms Wells said.

"It is unacceptable to have this number of drink drivers on our roads."

One driver was charged and had his licence automatically suspended. He then used another set of keys and drove through the same checkpoint again.

"He was consequently processed the second time just one hour later and was again over the legal limit," Ms Wells said.

Another driver charged had five previous drink driving convictions and three warrants for his arrest while a third man, aged 63, blew 1078 -- the legal limit is 400. He already had eight drink driving convictions.

Ms Well said she was "deeply concerned" to see the number of people repeatedly drink driving.

"It is one thing to drink but to put innocent people's lives in jeopardy is unacceptable," she said.

"The results from this weekend still show there are a percentage of drivers on our roads who show a total disregard for the safety of other road users."

Court bailiffs were also involved in the checkpoints, seizing 43 vehicles and collecting $8129 in fines.

- NZPA