Taranaki police caught dozens of offending drivers, impounded vehicles and arrested fleeing suspects during a major road policing operation on Friday and Saturday nights.
Police set up checkpoints across New Plymouth, Ōakura, Bell Block, Inglewood and Waitara. Local officers received backup from Impairment Prevention teams travelling from Manawatū and Whanganui.
Officers conducted 460 compulsory breath tests over the two nights and charged six drivers with drink driving offences. They also issued 24 infringement notices for excess speed and handed out another 41 notices for various other offences.
Two vehicles attempted to evade police and skip the checkpoints. Officers quickly located both cars and arrested the drivers. Police linked the driver and passenger of the first car to an incident in Manaia the previous day, charging them with burglary and unlawfully taking a vehicle. The 15-year-old driver of the second car has been referred to Youth Aid.
Throughout the weekend, officers impounded five vehicles for a variety of offences. They summoned one driver to court for sustained loss of traction and charged seven people who were driving while forbidden, suspended or disqualified.
Taranaki Area Commander Inspector Mark Miller reminded motorists that the checkpoints exist to protect the community. He said local police remain committed to keeping Taranaki roads safe and that the best way to approach a checkpoint is to drive sober and legally.
