Henry stays silent on speeding claim

All Blacks coach Graham Henry. Photo / Sarah Ivey

It's a road Graham Henry refuses to go down - the All Blacks coach today declined to offer his version of events after avoiding a ticket when caught speeding in Auckland last week.

After naming his side to face the Wallabies in Saturday's Bledisloe Cup test Henry was asked at least five times to clarify his encounter with police after being reportedly clocked driving 81kmh in a 50kmh zone on Auckland's waterfront last Friday night.

"I have to comment to make, no comment at all," he replied.

Police last night said they had no record of Henry being stopped.

But today a spokesman said that no ticket was issued because the police officer concerned was not certified to use a police radar.

Auckland City district commander Superintendent George Fraser said this afternoon the police officer stopped five motorists on Tamaki Drive between 6pm and 9.30pm, warned them about speeding and checked their vehicles for warrant of fitness and registration status.

"Over the weekend there was a focus on having high visibility and there were lots of officers working over the period - not everyone has certification," Mr Fraser told NZPA.

High police visibility acted as a deterrent for those that may have been exceeding the speed limit. The officer - who was working towards certification - was on patrol, and had a radar fitted to his vehicle.

"Every officer has a responsibility to respond and to ensure any errant driving is addressed. It's not like as if you can look the other way, we all have a responsibility," Mr Fraser said.

"He was probably no doubt wanting to make a contribution to keeping the roads as safe as we could."

Police have not named Henry, but said it was incorrect to say a prominent New Zealander was let off a speeding fine because of who he was.

Auckland police would be reminded that the use of the radar device was for those certified in the use of it.

"And the officer knew he couldn't issue a ticket, because he didn't issue a ticket. He didn't issue it to five people," Mr Fraser said.

The incident came only hours after police warned motorists before the holiday weekend they would be get a ticket if they broke the speed rules by 4kmh - down from the usual tolerance of 10kmh.

If ticketed, the alleged offence would have cost Henry 40 demerit points and a $300 fine.

The incident happened 24 hours before the All Blacks flew out to Hong Kong to begin their five-test tour of the northern hemisphere.

- NZPA