Checkpoints nab 18 motorists for drink-driving

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

The police Impairment Prevention Team ran checkpoints in Gisborne over the weekend targeting drink-driving and speed, and 18 motorists were caught over the drink-drive limit.

The focus of the two-day operation was on identifying impaired drivers and deterring speeding motorists.

Over the two days approximately 1200 breath tests were conducted at checkpoints, and 18 motorists were processed for excess breath alcohol.

One motorist recorded an excess breath alcohol reading of 1071 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath, over four times the legal limit.

Thirty infringements were issued for speeding and two suspended or disqualified drivers were identified as being behind the wheel.

“It is frustrating to see so many motorists driving while impaired or disregarding the speed limit,” said Eastern District road policing manager Inspector Angela Hallett.

“The majority of motorists are doing the right thing, but unfortunately there are still some who made the decision to drive after drinking.

“It is an unacceptable decision to drink and then get behind the wheel of a car as you immediately put yourself, your passengers and other road users at risk,” she said.

“If you’re in any doubt about whether you’re safe or legal to drive, our advice is simple — don’t do it,” Insp Hallett said.

“Organise a taxi or arrange for a sober driver to get you home safely.”

Police would also continue to focus on speeding drivers, she said.

“Even when speed doesn’t cause the crash, it is the single biggest determinant in whether you walk away or are carried away.

“We remind motorists that the speed limit is just that — a limit, not a target.

“Every road user needs to play their part in getting to where they are going safely.”