Police: Driver in chase five times over limit

A 19-year-old who crashed into a fence after a police chase was nearly five times the drink drive limit, police say.

Police allege the Tauranga man failed to stop at a checkpoint and was pursued before he crashed at 2.20am on Moa St on Friday.

It has since been revealed he recorded a reading of 735 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath. The legal limit for anybody under 20 years old is 150mcg.

The man is due to appear in court on August 21.

The incident fell in the worst period for drink driving in the Western Bay since the Traffic Alcohol Group was formed in October 2006.

Thirty-four motorists in Tauranga and Te Puke were caught over the limit from Thursday night to Sunday morning.

The highest reading was 968mcg, just over two times the legal limit for the driver's age.

Police also impounded two vehicles, suspended 12 driver licences for 28 days and arrested two other people for wilful damage and theft from a motor vehicle.

- BAY OF PLENTY TIMES