Drink-drive blitz 'rehearsal for World Cup'

Over 12,000 drivers were breath tested in Auckland this weekend in a "dress-rehearsal" for next year's Rugby World Cup.

Multiple police checkpoints were set up to detect drunk drivers around the city over Friday and Saturday nights.

With the All Blacks test match against South Africa at Eden Park, last night was seen as a practice run for the 2011 World Cup.

It was pleasing to see that a majority of people breath tested had not been drinking, Auckland City road policing manager Inspector Gavin Macdonald said.

A total of 45 people were over the legal limit, 20 people had their licence suspended and 12 vehicles were impounded.

It was a great dress-rehearsal for the next years Rugby World Cup and the Auckland public was to be congratulated for their efforts, Mr Macdonald said.

- NZPA