Manukau police stop 110 drink drivers

A drink-drive operation. File photo / Herald on Sunday

Police nabbed 110 drink drivers in Counties Manukau at the weekend after a drink-driving blitz in which more than 18,000 drivers were stopped.

Counties Manukau road policing manager Inspector Peter Raynes said despite the reduced number of drivers caught drink driving compared to previous operations, the message was still not getting through.

Many of the drivers arrested were repeated drink drivers and appeared ignorant about the consequences of their actions, he said.

"Recidivist drink drivers are potential killers on our roads. If you choose to drink and drive in Counties Manukau, we're out to get you."

If you drive at the legal adult limit, you are sixteen times more likely to be in a fatal crash than a sober driver, he said.

Ministry of Justice officials also executed search warrants for outstanding fines totalling $114,000 and seized 92 vehicles during the blitz, while police suspended 45 driver licences and impounded 16 vehicles because the drivers were disqualified.

- NZPA