Police check nabs 12 drivers under the influence

Three cars were impounded following Friday night's operation. Photo/File

Twelve drivers have been caught driving over the legal breath alcohol limit during multiple checkpoints around the Western Bay.

Police carried out alcohol and vehicle safety checkpoints throughout the district, with the largest being a three-hour operation on Te Awanui Dri, near the Tauranga Harbour Bridge, involving about 20 police officers.

During the operation 12 drivers were found to be over legal breath alcohol limit, three vehicles were impounded and "a number of" infringement notices were issued.

Police Bay of Plenty road policing manager Inspector Brent Crowe said it was a "disappointing result".

"Police were planning similar operations in the lead up to the Christmas/New Year period with this operation serving as a timely for drivers not risk driving if they have consumed alcohol and for mates to look out for one another," he said.

However, Crowe said the majority of motorists stopped welcomed the high police presence focusing on impaired driving.

A police media communications spokeswoman said the drink driving and vehicle safety check at Sulphur Point was a joint operation between police and the NZ Transport agency.

"The operation lasted about three hours, with a large number of vehicles checked during that time," the spokeswoman said in a statement.

"Police would like to remind drivers to plan ahead and not drive if they're going out for a few drinks," she said.

"This sort of behaviour puts all road users at risk, not just the drivers."