Police report drop in drink-driving

There is still a long way to go in the fight against drink-drivers despite a drop in the number caught this weekend, police say.

In eastern Bay of Plenty, police stopped 3225 vehicles over the weekend, netting 35 drunk-drivers.

The numbers compared favourably to last month, when 47 drivers were caught in another weekend blitz between May 6 and 8.

"The number of apprehensions was lower than the previous campaign and may signal a change in attitudes towards drink-driving, however, we still have a long way to go," Whakatane's Sergeant Ray Wylie said.

Meanwhile, 41 drivers tested positive for excess breath alcohol on Auckland's North Shore after police stopped 9594 vehicles.

Senior Sergeant Shanan Gray said the number was significantly lower than previous operations, with the weather a likely contributing factor.

"It seems more people opted to stay indoors over the weekend than venture out in their vehicles."

However, Mr Gray said it could also indicate a growing awareness of the dangers of drink-driving. "This reduction is pleasing to see and I like to hope that the reduction is due to drivers finally realising the risks involved in drink-driving."

- NZPA