Newspaper pavement postings peeves police

A photo of the ute which was being used for paper deliveries. Photo / supplied

Newspaper distributors have been reprimanded and fined by police after being caught driving a 4x4 over footpaths and lawns on a morning delivery run.

Police spotted a Toyota four wheel drive being driven on a footpath at Albert St in Hamilton at about 1:20am.

Senior sergeant Jeff Penno said officers were surprised to see an occupant leaning out the vehicle window and putting newspapers in letterboxes.

"Our view of this is that it is irresponsible and dangerous on the part of the driver.

"While it is accepted that there is likely to be less people out and about on the footpath at this time those people that are won't be expecting to encounter a moving vehicle on the front lawn."

Mr Penno said the 45-year-old 4x4 driver had received a $150 fine for the incident.

Police had been receiving complaints addresses about ruts being left in front lawns and other damage over the past 12 weeks, he said.

"We've tried to highlight the importance of paper deliverers riding bicycles to ensure they wear appropriate hi-vis safety equipment when delivering their products but we think reverting to driving 4x4s on the footpath is a step too far."

- Herald Online staff