Month-long sting catches 130 drink-drivers

A drink driving sting in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato found 160 drivers over the limit. PHOTO/FILE

A month-long sting in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato targeting drink-drivers caught 130 people over the limit.

The operation, codenamed Op Tri City, targeted drivers in Rotorua, Tauranga and Hamilton, combining police resources from those areas.

In Rotorua, 16 drink-drivers were caught from 4070 drivers tested.

Infringement notices were issued to 369 drivers for other offences.

Bay of Plenty road policing manager Inspector Brent Crowe said 18,280 vehicles were stopped and 130 drivers prosecuted for driving over the limit.

Mr Crowe said it was disappointing such a large number of people had consumed alcohol before driving.

"As well as being contrary to law, drink-driving is socially and morally unacceptable and places lives at risk."

Mr Crowe said more campaigns were planned for the summer period.

He strongly urged people to drink alcohol responsibly if driving or to make arrangements to get home safely, such as designating a sober driver or using a taxi.

"So far 45 people have lost their lives on Bay of Plenty roads this year and as we approach 2017, police will also be focusing on speed and seat belts to try and prevent any further loss of life," he said.

The Western Bay of Plenty had the most drink drivers caught with 67 prosecuted.

THE FIGURES:
Rotorua: 16 drink-drivers, 4070 drivers tested, 369 infringement notices
Western Bay of Plenty: 67 drink-drivers, 5905 drivers tested, 144 infringement notices
Hamilton: 47 drink-drivers, 8305 drivers tested, 275 infringement notices
OVERALL: 130 drink-drivers, 18,280 drivers tested, 788 infringement notices