Police carrying out a major booze blitz on one of the country's most dangerous roads are "horrified" at the high number of drunk drivers -- many of whom were more than double the legal limit.
Traffic officers charged 13 people with driving with excess breath alcohol after targeting two highways in
Tauranga and Western Bay areas.
Acting Senior Sergeant Ed Van Den Broek said he was shocked and disappointed so many people were failing to heed drink-drive warnings.
"This is an extremely high number considering only 1840 cars were stopped. The average level of the drunk drivers was about twice the alcohol limit.
"In 19 years' experience in the Ministry of Transport and the police I have never seen a situation as bad as this. It was horrific and very poor."
Police were forced to close checkpoints because all the officers were tied up "processing" drivers suspected of drink-driving.
Mr Van Den Broek said at one point he had feared for his own safety when one driver hurtled towards him as he stepped out to flag down a car.
"He just about ran me down because he apparently didn't see the checkpoint. I was ready to jump out of the way. When the driver stopped he was pretty inebriated and was slurring his words."
- BAY OF PLENTY TIMES
