Waikato drivers more than double alcohol limit

Photo / File

Two Waikato drivers were caught driving more than 2-1/2 times over the legal alcohol limit yesterday.

Waikato Road Policing Manager Inspector Leo Tooman said two drivers had been charged for breath alcohol test results exceeding 1000 micrograms. The legal adult alcohol limit is 400mcg.

"In the latest incident, a driver blew 1002mcg in Ngaruawahia shortly after 8pm yesterday and has been charged with third or subsequent excess breath alcohol and this follows on from a driver stopped around 2.15am yesterday who also blew over 1000mcg."

Waikato police have attended eight vehicle crashes since the official Queen's Birthday holiday period began at 4pm yesterday.

"In the most concerning incident, it appears the driver of a Subaru has got out of his car and assaulted the elderly driver of a Toyota before fleeing the scene following a collision on Cobham Drive about 9.30am," Mr Tooman said.

Police hoped the continuing rain would slow drivers down.

The speed tolerance for the long weekend has been lowered to 4km/h.

- NZPA