Senior Sergeant Ian Campion, officer-in-charge of road policing in the Western Bay.
Senior Sergeant Ian Campion, officer-in-charge of road policing in the Western Bay.
Eight Western Bay drivers have been fined for being over the new drink driving limit since the law came into force on December 1.
Western Bay of Plenty road policing manager Senior Sergeant Ian Campion said the number was "a little disappointing" but said there had been some positive feedbackfrom drivers who decided not to chance it and choose not drink anything before driving.
The first person caught was last Monday - the day the new law came into effect, he said.
The limit was lowered from 400mcg of alcohol per litre of breath to 250mcg.
Drivers caught between 251 and 400mcg will receive an instant $200 fine, 50 demerit points and a ban from driving for 12 hours but it will not result in a criminal conviction.
"It's a little disappointing from my perspective. I had hoped for a higher rate of compliance," Mr Campion said.
Mr Campion said the booze bus was deployed in the area every week and the number of checkpoints would increase as Christmas and New Year's Eve approached.
"The focus is around alcohol and speed and restraints. Every driver stopped can expect to be breath-tested. I urge every driver to be sensible and responsible."
