Blitz nets 129 drink-drivers

A massive police blitz in Auckland over the past four days concluded last night with 129 people facing drink-driving charges.

Road policing manager Inspector Gavin Macdonald said about 40,000 drivers were breath tested during Operation Safer Roads, where checkpoints were set up around the region, catching some suburban residents by surprise.

Police impounded 17 vehicles and suspended 34 people's driving licences after they returned readings of more than 650 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath. The legal limit is 400mcg.

Court bailiffs were also involved in the operation, seizing an additional 12 vehicles and collecting $3000 in cash for outstanding fines.

Mr Macdonald said 13 people were also arrested for offences including receiving stolen property, unlawfully taking vehicles, driving while disqualified and breaching bail conditions.

He said it was concerning to see how many people still thought it was alright to drive whilst intoxicated.

"One offender actually complained after being stopped that the police had changed the location of a checkpoint whilst he had been drinking at the pub."

The man admitted to having received a text message from a friend telling him which way to travel home to avoid being detected.

Mr Macdonald said drink-driving was no joke and that police and the community had had enough of irresponsible behaviour by intoxicated drivers.

- NZPA