Editorial: Pricey lesson in stopping

Katie Holland learned the hard way how important it is to follow the road rules.

When the friendly-looking policeman signalled to me to pull over, I wasn't the slightest bit concerned.

My car's registration and warrant were up to date and I certainly hadn't broken any laws.

Except, it turned out, I had.

It's not something I am proud of, and I thought twice before publicly admitting it.

I like to think I am a safe, responsible driver and, for what it's worth, I've made it through 20-something years behind the wheel without a crash. But let's face it, it's easy to slip into bad driving habits. In my case, I was ducking home from New World on Saturday afternoon, turning left from Miro St on to Malfroy Rd.

I slowed almost to a stop, looked to my right, saw nothing coming so pulled out.

Which is when I saw that policeman standing outside Malfroy School beckoning me to stop. He'd been watching me, he said, and I hadn't come to a complete stop at the stop sign. Was there any reason?

While he didn't show me any video footage, I took his word for it, along with a fine for $150 and demerit points on my previously clean licence.

As reported today, Rotorua police are in the middle of a blitz on drivers breaking rules at intersections, roundabouts and traffic lights.

They have caught a significant number of offenders ... it's not just me.

Some may argue it's revenue gathering and that police time and resources could be better used elsewhere.

I disagree. I broke the rules, I deserve the punishment.

And I take it as a wake-up call to pay more attention to my surroundings when driving, instead of thinking ahead to what I am going to make for lunch.

Sergeant Dave Hamilton says the campaign is about both enforcement and education. He'll be pleased to know I for one have learned my lesson and will not be "rolling through" any more stop signs.