Crash victim's mother caught drink-driving

Police are shocked that a woman whose daughter was seriously injured by a drunk driver last year was herself caught driving while over the limit in the eastern Bay of Plenty this weekend.

The 34-year-old was one of 47 people arrested for drink driving during a three-day crackdown in which police stopped nearly 3000 vehicles, Sergeant Ray Wylie of Whakatane police said.

"This woman's family had been directly impacted by a drunk driver ... but unbelievably she decided to drink and drive," he said.

It was unfortunate that excessive alcohol consumption and drink driving were still "major problems" in the eastern Bay of Plenty despite all the arrests, crashes and advertising, Mr Wylie said.

"I am disgusted at the high numbers of apprehensions."

A number of people were also arrested for offences including failing to stop for police and driving while disqualified.

Police were awaiting blood test results for four drivers who were processed for suspected drug use while driving.

A Department for Courts fines enforcement team seized five vehicles for non-payment of fines, and seized $3000.

Mr Wylie said communities needed to work alongside police to reduce the level of drink driving.

"It is everyone's problem. It is our families, friends, neighbours and workmates who are at risk from drunk drivers on the roads."

- NZPA