Manawatū police target anti-social drivers, impound seven cars

Among those arrested was a 28-year-old who allegedly threw a bottle at a police vehicle. Photo / NZME

A major police operation in Manawatū overnight resulted in dozens of infringements with hundreds of motorists stopped – including three arrests and seven cars impounded.

Among those arrested was a 28-year-old who allegedly threw a bottle at a police vehicle.

Operation Purple called in staff from Whanganui, Taranaki, Wellington and Hawke’s Bay. At least 250 drivers were breath-tested, with four people showing excess breath alcohol.

The police activities largely took place in central Palmerston North and its rural surrounds, including Feilding.

Manawatū Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Ash Gurney, said the police have zero tolerance for anti-social road-user behaviour.

“We got in early; we were highly visible from the start with patrols, checkpoints and vehicle stops, which made sure that the groups were not able to form in numbers,” Gurney said.

Fifty-eight infringements were issued, with nine vehicles either pink-, blue- or green-stickered.

“I’m really pleased with the outcome of this operation, especially when we see the devastating impacts that can occur from anti-social road-user behaviour,” Gurney said.