Top cop appalled at drink-driving rate

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Fourteen people face drink-driving charges following a weekend blitz in the central police district – a result which has appalled its road policing manager.

Inspector Neil Wynne said officers ran checkpoints in the Wanganui and Palmerston North areas on Friday night and early Saturday morning, breath-testing 1000 motorists.

The 14 to return positive tests was high compared to previous drink-driving campaigns during the year , the next highest number being eight.

"I am absolutely appalled that the death and destruction we are seeing on our roads every day still isn't hitting home and that some people still think it is okay to put their lives and the lives of others at risk," Mr Wynne said. "It is not okay."

He said it was particularly disturbing considering statistics reported last week showed the central district had recorded its highest road death toll since 2001, with more fatal crashes than any other district in the country. A contributing factor in many of those had been alcohol.

"It's shocking to find such blatant disregard. Christmas is just around the corner and I for one don't want any more families in this district, or in this country, spending their holidays grieving for a loved one."

- NZPA