Drink drive blitz catches 116 in Waitakere

A weekend police blitz in Waitakere netted 116 people for drink-driving - a result police say is "disappointing".

Senior Sergeant Ian Byrne said Operation Safe West ran from 8pm on Friday until 4am today and involved 19 checkpoints.

"This is a disappointing result when compared to previous operations within Waitakere City," Mr Byrne said.

"A similar operation at the same time last year netted 78 persons with excess breath alcohol.

"Drink driving is a serious offence and we can all make a difference to eliminate the sorrow that is caused from alcohol-related injury crashes."

Fourteen vehicles were seized during the blitz and 16 people arrested for offences including warrants, driving offences and unlawful taking.

- NZPA