North Shore drunk drivers targeted

Drunk drivers have been targeted on Auckland's North Shore this weekend, with 69 people testing positive for excess breath alcohol.

Operation Lockdown ran over Friday and Saturday nights and involved staff from North Shore, Waitakere, Rodney and the Traffic Alcohol Group, said Sergeant Chris McKenzie of the North Shore Police.

A total of 8,834 vehicles were stopped at 16 checkpoints around the North Shore, with all drivers being tested for alcohol consumption.

In excess of 570 drivers were found to have consumed alcohol prior to driving and 69 drivers tested positive for excess breath alcohol. Of those, 22 elected to have blood tests taken, which will determine whether or not they will face court proceedings.

Police said seven of the drivers detected were teenagers aged under 20.

Mr McKenzie says that while the number of vehicles stopped during the operation was somewhat lower than those previously tested, the ratio of drivers over the legal limit had increased.

In addition to the drivers processed for excess breath alcohol, a further eight were arrested for offences including drugs, driving whilst disqualified, failing to stop, reckless driving and warrants.

A total of 12 vehicles were impounded and 15 drivers had their driving licence suspended.

Operation Lock-Down was the fifth operation in a series aimed at shutting down specific locations by swamping them with compulsory breath testing sites.

Mr McKenzie said that further Operation Lock-Downs are already in the planning stages and North Shore Road policing staff will continue to be vigilant in testing and apprehending drunk drivers.

"One thing you can count on is that we will continue to be out testing drivers at any time and any place.

"The message is simple and doesn't change, If you're going to drink, don't drive," he said.

- NZPA