Driver charged twice in two days

A 21-year-old Waipukurau man has been charged two nights running with drink-driving.

Police said his breath-alcohol level was well over the limit when he was pulled over on Friday night, and he failed again on Saturday night for failing a breath-alcohol test.

Waipukurau sergeant Ross Gilbert said a combination of marked and unmarked police cars had been used in a drink-driving blitz in Central Hawke's Bay over the weekend.

Mr Gilbert said police arrested seven people over the weekend, including the 21-year-old.

By Sunday morning, in addition to facing two charges of driving with excess breath alcohol, the 21-year-old also faced a charge of driving while suspended - he had his licence suspended after the first incident. His car was also impounded.

Mr Gilbert said it was rare that someone was picked up on successive days.

"People get caught more than once, but generally not on the same night or twice in two days," he said.

Although Mr Gilbert was not impressed with the man's behaviour he was pleased with the outcome.

When a similar campaign was held in the region in mid-July 20 people were arrested for driving drunk.

Mr Gilbert said that number had been exceptionally high and the weekend's tally was more than had been expected.

The 21-year-old will appear in Waipukurau District Court tomorrow.

- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY