Northland police carry out thousands of breath tests in crackdown on drink driving

Northland police have carried out 5500 breath screening tests in the last week, with 30 drivers caught "well beyond" the legal breath alcohol limit, says Northland road policing manager Inspector John Fagan. Photo / NZME

Northland police have slammed a “reckless culture” of drink driving after conducting thousands of breath tests across the region.

Road policing manager Inspector John Fagan said 37,000 breath tests had been carried out in the region in the last two months. More than 5000 of those were in the last week.

Thirty people were found to be driving well beyond the legal breath alcohol limit, Fagan said.

“It’s 30 too many, and those drivers could have gone on to cause serious harm or death to themselves or other people in their community.”

Drivers were caught by police at varying times from 10am through to the early hours of the next morning.

Fagan called out a “reckless” culture in Northland thinking it was okay to drive after drinking.

“It’s not,” he said.

“It’s reckless behaviour and it just endangers everyone else on the road.”

Police reminded motorists to be sober and wear a seatbelt.

“A seatbelt saves lives, whereas alcohol takes them.

“Just don’t be surprised to be stopped anytime by one of our officers,” Fagan said.

Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.