No drunk drivers; 3000 stopped

Police are delighted with the results of a major drinking driving blitz at Ohakea last night, where more than 3000 drivers were stopped – but not one was caught over the limit.

Forty officers were involved, stopping and breath-screening motorists driving the busy stretch of road along State Highway 1 and 3 between Bulls and Sanson.

Checks were also made for vehicle safety faults and other infringements, such as issues with registrations, warrants of fitness and worn tyres.

Between 3pm and 7pm, Operation Monty stopped 3042 drivers.

Although alcohol was detected in 14 drivers, none were over the limit.

Key road safety partners Plunket, ACC, St John, Higgins Contractors, Road Safe Central and the New Zealand Fire Service from Bulls also helped the operation, by handing out bottled water and road safety advice packs.

While no drink drivers were caught a 47-year-old man from Lower Hutt was nabbed driving while forbidden. His car was impounded for 28 days and he will have to pay the fee for towing and storing the vehicle.

Senior Sergeant Kris Burbery was delighted with results.

"Testing that many people and not finding anyone breaching the drink drive laws always give us hope that people are listening to the safety messages.

"What was a concern was the number of out-of-date warrants."

Mr Burbery said three vehicles were so badly defective that they had to be ordered off the road.

The operation precedes a national operation that started last night, and motorists are reminded that they could be stopped at any time.

Mr Burbery said it was all about educating and raising awareness, as road safety should be everyone's responsibility.

He said people in the Central District could expect to see a higher profile of police on the region's roads over the holiday season.

- © Fairfax NZ News