Drink-drive results shock

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

Police were shocked by some of the drivers stopped by the impairment prevention team.

Over the course of two days policing the roads in Tairāwhiti last week, 10 drivers were found to have excess breath alcohol at checkpoints targeting drink drivers.

The checkpoints took place on Friday and Saturday between 3pm and 1am.

“There were 14 drivers detected to have been drinking; four received infringement notices and the remaining ten are due to be summonsed to court,” said Sergeant Steve Murray.

One of the checkpoints was set up directly outside the Gisborne Police Station on the Saturday night.

“At the checkpoint outside the station four drink drivers were stopped and detected in the space of 15 minutes.

“Two of those drivers had their vehicles impounded.”

Police were “incredibly disheartened” and said the message was simple — don’t drink and drive.

“One person was stopped and found to have excess breath alcohol and charged, then five hours later was stopped again and once again charged,” Sgt Murray said.

“Drivers need to know that driving intoxicated is not an option.”