Few arrests at checkpoints

Road checkpoints in Masterton at the weekend netted three drink drivers but restraint was shown by most other motorists who were stopped, say police.

Masterton traffic policing Sergeant Chris Megaw said there had been a total of 35 hours' worth of random checkpoints throughout the district over the weekend.

He said there had been numerous drivers stopped who had kept their drinking within legal limits for being behind the wheel.

"There were quite a few drivers with alcohol in their systems from Christmas work parties and the like, but they had been very mindful of staying within the legal limit. We were particularly happy with that."

Mr Megaw said three motorists were found at the checkpoints to be driving with excess alcohol, although the tally, considering the season, was slightly lower than the six drivers who were usually discovered over the limit on any other given weekend throughout the year.

Mr Megaw said the weekend roads in Wairarapa had been otherwise free of major incidents and crashes.

Central District road policing manager Inspector Dave White reported a similar situation and said 2885 vehicles had been stopped at checkpoints in the region on Friday and, while a small number of tickets were issued, there were no arrests made for drink driving.

"It was great to see that the vast majority of motorists were driving well, had left home with plenty of time to complete their journey with rest stops, and were abiding to the speed limit."