Rodney Police are encouraged by the lack of crashes requiring attendance during the first week of Operation Plateau. No serious injury or fatal crashes were reported, and a noticeable drop in non-injury crashes is also recorded.
Operation Plateau Commander, Senior Sergeant Bill RUSSELL says a number of police tactical groups from across Waitemata District are being utilised. These include the Traffic Alcohol Group, Specialist Road Policing Units and Team Policing.
"Check points for drink driver apprehensions and mobile patrols have stopped over 7,500 drivers for testing, with 36 drivers testing positive for excess breath alcohol."
"Among these drivers was a mother who blew almost double the legal limit. She had two children, both aged less than 10 years, in the vehicle. Another driver blew a staggering 1213. This is three times over the alcohol limit," he said.
"During the first week, over 200 speed infringements were issued, including a driver losing his licence when detected driving at 170km/hr."
"These are the types of drivers that endanger the lives of innocent people."
"A number of disqualified drivers were also apprehended during this first phase. One of those drivers had his family in the car with him, and a fully licensed driver in the passenger seat. These people are disqualified for a reason. Police are disappointed that some of these drivers put their own families at risk as well as other road users."
"The high visible policing strategy has also netted a stolen car and its driver, along with people wanted on arrest warrants. Heavy rain during the first few days of the operation did not stop the check points from being carried out, over all of Rodney. The Operation is planned to continue for another nine weeks," Mr RUSSELL said.
ENDS:
Bill Russell - Senior Sergeant
O/C Highway Patrol
O/C Serious Crash Unit
Waitemata Police District
Mobile - 027 479 5948