Drink-drive message may be getting through

A blitz on drink driving in the west Auckland area this weekend has netted a slightly lower number of intoxicated drivers than in the past.

Waitakere police conducted the operation, which ran from Friday morning until early this morning. A total of 7644 vehicles were stopped during the 2 evenings.

Of these vehicles just 47 of the drivers were detected driving with excess breath alcohol. 11 people elected to have blood tests taken.

This operation coincided with a number of large sports events within the Auckland area.

Members of the Waitakere City Council accompanied the police and were positive in their reinforcement of the 'don't drink and drive' message by issuing a large number of lollipops to the number of sober drivers that came through the checkpoints.

Waitakere police reported that the number of drivers apprehended is down from previous operations they've conducted.