Wellington motorists detain impaired driver

Police are waiting on blood test results of a driver whose car was seen bouncing off barriers on the Wellington motorway.

The 43-year-old woman was detained by members of the public after stopping suddenly north of Johnsonville and was subjected to the new compulsory impairment test by police.

Police had received calls about the woman from 6.50pm on Friday when her car was seen colliding with a concrete barrier on the Aotea on-ramp. She reversed then continued on the motorway, weaving across three lanes and hitting the median barrier and side railings several times.

Highway patrol Senior Constable Bruce Pauling praised those people who finally stopped the woman.

"The driver's blatant disregard for the safety of other motorists is appalling. Her apparent decision to drive after consuming excessive amounts of alcohol or drugs put herself and other motorists at great risk.

"The outstanding actions of the public prevented this person from continuing to drive and likely causing a senseless fatality."

- NZPA