Driverless car surprises police

Police working at an alcohol checkpoint in Christchurch yesterday morning couldn't believe their eyes when a vehicle came towards them with no one in the driver's seat.

Inspector Al Stewart said it appeared the driver had seen police and jumped into the rear seat, while his front-seat passenger tried to get hold of the wheel.

Once stopped, the driver blew a positive test and was charged with excess breath alcohol and dangerous driving.

His car was impounded for 28 days.

Police got a further shock when they opened the boot and found a friend of the driver.

"Apparently he'd just gone along for the ride; imagine if he'd been left in for the 28 days," Mr Stewart said.

- NZPA