KEY POINTS:
Almost 60 people face possible drink-driving charges after a weekend police operation on the North Shore stopped almost 9000 vehicles.
Operation Jar 2 was a follow-up to a similar blitz in September.
Both were part of a North Shore police and Traffic Alcohol Group campaign to target drunk drivers.
The operation started on Friday at 8pm and ended at 4am on Sunday. Checkpoints were set up in various strategic positions throughout the North Shore.
Police stopped 8983 vehicles.
Forty-three people were detected driving with excess breath alcohol.
Another 16 elected to undergo blood tests, which will determine whether they too will face court proceedings.
Several drivers returned a breath test reading double the legal limit of 400 micrograms per litre of breath.
Police spokesman Senior Sergeant Chris Powell said eight of the drivers who tested positive for excess breath alcohol were teenagers.
He said a continuing trend of young women being processed for drink-driving was of concern.
Nine cars were impounded and 22 drivers licences suspended.
Five people were arrested for breach of bail, warrants to arrest and disqualified driving.
Mr Powell said the result of the weekend blitz disappointed the police on the North Shore.
"The number of drinking drivers being detected has increased compared with the operation results from September. This goes against the recent trend."
In September's operation 43 people were detected with excess breath alcohol and 10 elected to have blood tests.
"It is perplexing," said Mr Powell, "considering the nationwide advertising campaigns that are run, the ready availability of public transport and taxis as well as the high likelihood of being involved in a crash if you drink and drive."
- NZPA
