KEY POINTS:
Police had to dive for cover after a drunk driver failed to stop at a checkpoint, smashing into a stationary patrol car.
The crash happened on Bridge St, just down from Hamilton's central police station early on Saturday.
Sergeant Phil Ruddell said the checkpoint was staffed by a number of police officers wearing high visibility safety vests and a patrol car with its red and blue lights flashing.
"A man has turned off Grey St on to Bridge St and failed to stop for the checkpoint, forcing staff to take cover to avoid being hit," Mr Ruddell said.
No one was injured but the patrol car was badly damaged.
The driver had a alcohol limit of 1100mcg per litre of breath, nearly three times the legal limit.
He had been charged with excess breath alcohol and dangerous driving.
Mr Ruddell said 12 other drivers people recorded breath alcohol over 700mcg, an 18-year-old blew 547mcg - the limit for under 20 drivers is 150mcg. Five disqualified drivers were also stopped.
One driver was arrested for cannabis possession.
Mr Ruddell said the operation was "very disappointing" as it showed drivers were still not taking seriously the dangers of drinking and driving.
"Alcohol is a contributing factor in about 31 per cent of fatal road crashes in this country. Despite the risks people seem to still be willing to drink and drive."
- NZPA
