Taupō drink driving: Driver over limit after picking child up from school

Police were left stunned after catching a person more than twice the legal alcohol limit on a school pick-up run recently.

Eight people have been caught drink-driving across the Taupō and South Waikato areas in the past 10 days, police said today.

Taupō road policing manager Senior Sergeant Fane Troy said some readings were “incredibly high”.

“These results are disturbing, but what makes it more disturbing is the times of the day, coupled with the high breath and blood alcohol readings, including people on school drop off or pick up.

“For people to be travelling around while intoxicated with young children in the car staggers belief.”

Troy said one person blew over twice the legal limit when they were breath-tested shortly after picking a child up from school.

“This behaviour is not only unacceptable and irresponsible, but it puts all road users at risk.”

Another driver was stopped in Taupō about 12pm and blew over four times the legal limit.

The legal alcohol limit for a fully licensed driver over 20 years of age is 250 micrograms per litre of breath.

The limit for anyone under 20 is zero.

Troy urged the public to make better decisions before getting behind the wheel.

“If you are drinking, don’t drive. Even if you have only had one or two, it is not worth the risk.

“These results continue to demonstrate why you can expect to see police breath-testing motorists anywhere, at any time of the day.”

Troy said infringement notices had been issued for the drivers.