Police hit Nelson in drink drive blitz

9857 vehicles were stopped at checkpoints throughout Nelson City and Motueka over three nights. File photo / NZ Herald

A drink drive blitz in Nelson over the weekend nabbed 13 drivers over the alcohol limit, police said.

Another five drivers were apprehended for driving while disqualified, while four people were arrested for non-traffic offenses, including domestic assault and outstanding arrest warrants.

Police said 9857 vehicles were stopped at checkpoints throughout Nelson City and Motueka over three nights.

Fifteen drivers had their licences suspended for periods ranging from 28 days to three months for various offences, while 40 vehicles were order off the road for various defects, and 316 infringement notices were issued for offences including breaches of graduated licence conditions, non wearing of seatbelts, and vehicle defects.

Highway Patrol Team Leader Sergeant Stu Wright said while it was disappointing 13 people had driven after drinking, the positive thing was the operation was successful in getting them off the road, along with the five disqualified drivers.

Sergeant Wright said Nelson police were aided with support from bailiffs from the Nelson Court and vehicle inspectors from New Zealand Transport Agency, as well as staff from the Canterbury Traffic Alcohol Group and the Nelson Strategic Traffic Unit.

He said bailiffs had found many people with unpaid fines and arrangements were made for those to be paid. The courts also impounded five vehicles belonging to fine defaulters.

"This multi agency approach is something we will utilise more. We're sending a very clear message to the public that drink driving won't be tolerated."

Sergeant Wright said further operations were planned for the future.

- Herald Online