The first three months of a winter campaign targeting dangerous drivers in "treacherous" areas like the Kaimai Ranges has netted an already pleasing result for police.
Provisional figures released to the Bay of Plenty Times Weekend showed there has been a significant reduction in the number of crashes in the Western Bay of Plenty's three main highways since April.
State Highway 29 in the Kaimai Ranges, State Highway 2 between Bethlehem and Katikati, and State Highway 2 and 33 south of Te Puke were targeted by police.
Compared with figures for last year covering the same time frame, SH2 north had a 26 per cent reduction in crashes, SH2 and 33 had a 25 per cent and SH29 a 64 per cent reduction.
Acting Senior Sergeant Mike Owen said a general slowing down of drivers was largely responsible.
While there were more police visible on roads as part of the campaign, local drivers deserved a pat on the back, Mr Owen said.
"It's not just about the police.
"It's about the public taking responsibility for their own driving behaviour. I really do think that it's been a good combined effort. People are taking more care of their driving in general, with the speed tolerance coming down."
Mr Owen said since they announced in April they would be taking a lower tolerance to anyone speeding more than 5km/h they have noticed fewer speeders.
"Those who are exceeding a speed limit by a lot more are few and far between and stick out more.
"They are coming to our attention a lot easier because not everyone's driving like that."
The campaign was started to coincide with the arrival of winter, which traditionally sparked more crashes, particularly in the Kaimai Ranges, Mr Owen said.
"That stretch of road is more treacherous than any other in the Western Bay of Plenty, by far," he said.
Drivers caught doing 5km/h or more over the speed limit on Western Bay highways this winter will be fined and given demerit points in a tough new speeding crackdown.
The idea to ticket all drivers travelling at 5km/h or more over the limit was introduced nationally over Queen's Birthday Weekend in June last year, contributing to a dramatic drop in the holiday weekend road toll.
Speeding fines increase progressively from $30 for speeds less than 10km/h over the limit, to a maximum of $630 for speeds up to 50km/h over the limit.
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