Number of traffic tickets issued soars

A policeman checks the speed of motorists. Photo / Paul Taylor

The National Party has again voiced its suspicions that the police are working to a traffic ticket quota under a government-encouraged revenue gathering scheme.

The claim follows the release of statistics showing since Labour came to power the number of tickets issued for exceeding the speed limit by between six and 10 kilometres an hour has jumped from 311 in the year 2000 to more than 34,000 in 2006.

National Party Police spokesman Chester Borrows says if the police really want to stick to the quota they should give officers more recognition for catching drivers travelling more than 10 kilometres an hour over the limit.

Mr Borrows says that way serious road behaviour would be targeted, and not "the little old ladies who are going to the supermarket".

- NEWSTALK ZB