New hi-tech booze buses up the ante

NZ Police recently took delivery of two new ‘super-sized’ booze buses, now in operation on the streets of Auckland.

Built in Australia, the buses are intended to supplement existing stock. They provide state-of-the-art technology, safer and more spacious work areas and an eye-catching new livery.

The new livery – funded by ACC as part of its ongoing campaign to reduce the amount of injury caused by drink drivers – will leave drivers in no doubt about the purpose of the buses.

“New Zealanders are currently spending around $50 million every year on alcohol-related crashes. People are getting hurt needlessly and it’s costing them, and the country dearly,” says ACC Injury Prevention Programme Manager, Phil Wright.

“By supporting Police, and the booze buses, we’re working to reduce the number of people hurt by drunk drivers.”

For the first time in New Zealand, the buses will also provide an opportunity for Police to test and process drugged drivers.

The buses cost approximately $236,000 each, and join 19 other booze buses already in operation around New Zealand. The new buses are considerably bigger (1.9 metres longer than the 11 smaller buses deployed in 2005), and provide more room for operational staff to work in.

They feature two extra processing desks, reducing waiting times for alleged offenders, enabling staff to be back out on the streets without unnecessary delay.

Superintendent Paula Rose, National Manager: Road Policing, says the buses are an important element in NZ Police’s range of deterrents against drink driving.

“We’ve been using booze buses in our fight against drink driving for a number of years, but these new vehicles take this fight to a whole new level,” says Paula.

“They are considerably more sophisticated and efficient, and provide a more comfortable and safe environment for the road policing staff who work in them.”

Paula – who recently took up the National Manager: Road Policing role – has a particular interest in ensuring NZ Police make the best possible use of any technology available internationally.

“We’re always keeping an eye on new developments and there are a range of new technologies we’ll be exploring,” she says.

“On my watch, I want to make sure we make use of every strategy we can, high tech, low tech and good old-fashioned policing, to make the roads safer. There are still new things we can do and I’m determined to keep an open mind about all the options.”