Trip to beach focus for cops

CHECK: Masterton police traffic sergeant Chris Megaw.

Masterton police are determined to keep the notorious Masterton-Castlepoint Rd "as safe as we can", backing that sentiment with two breath-testing checkpoints on New Year's Day.

Traffic sergeant Chris Megaw and his team set up on Te Ore Ore Rd opposite Henley Lake yesterday, checking and talking to holidaymakers and beachgoers coming to and from popular beaching spots Riversdale and Castlepoint.

The team were kept busy with cars returning from beachside New Year celebrations.

Mr Megaw told the Times-Age they had nabbed a driver at 10am after he blew "500-odd" mcg of alcohol per litre of breath.

The legal limit is 250mcg, lowered from 400mcg in 2014.

"He was a drunk driver coming back from the beach," he said.

"We're going to be here for the express purpose of catching people drinking at the beach and returning."

He said they were "very concerned" about keeping Masterton-Castlepoint Rd safe for drivers.

"It's our number one focus at the moment, and it's something we can put a lot of pressure on."

He said they would like to spend more time with breath testing on SH2 but it was a big area to cover.

"Whereas here, this the only way in or out."

The state highway was not neglected, with the Times-Age spotting several police vehicles on New Year's Day traffic duties between Featherston and Masterton that morning.