Police are disappointed by the high number of motorists caught driving while talking on their cellphones during a major road safety operation in Auckland, which concluded late last night.
The prevention and enforcement operation - which targeted dangerous driving - issued 308 motorists with infringement notices for a variety of offences including talking on cell phones while driving, speeding, not wearing restraints, drink driving and running red lights.
“We’re still finalising figures but it seems a large percentage of those motorists were caught using their cell phones while driving. It's a major distraction behind the wheel and nothing on your phone is so important that it's worth risking yours, or someone else's life, on the road," says Auckland City District Road Policing Manager Senior Sergeant Matt Knowsley.
He said while most people drove safely in Auckland city yesterday, some continued to ignore the risks.
Twelve notices were handed out for not wearing seat belts which included children not being in correct car seats. Fifty-five people were caught speeding - one of whom's car was impounded for driving at an excessive speed.
"Operations like these aren't just about enforcement; it’s also about having the conversation that dangerous driving just isn’t worth the risk," says Senior Sergeant Knowsley.
More than 100 Police were involved in yesterday's operation, which ran from 7am to 9pm.
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Kim Chambers 021 911 967 / NZ Police