An Auckland taxi driver has been fined for drink driving after being stopped at a police checkpoint last night.
The driver could now be suspended from his job, while his passengers had to rely on the police to give them a lift.
When you hop into a cab you expect to get to your destination without any disruptions.
But three people heading into Auckland City to celebrate last night got a shock when their taxi was stopped at a checkpoint and they soon found out their driver had been celebrating himself.
"It is a concern that a taxi is carrying passengers and is over the limit," says Sergeant Patrick Waters.
The incident has disappointed the Taxi Federation.
"It's not good news when this happens," says executive director of the Taxi Federation, Rodger Heale. "The Federation has a zero tolerance policy with respect to drinking and driving. I think everyone who's in the industry will be disappointed that one individual has caused such a ruckus," he says.
Affordable Cabs only found out about the incident through 3 News and said the driver could now be disciplined.
"If we catch anyone drink driving, absolutely he's suspended," says Affordable Cabs manager Robert Naidu.
Police officers gave the three passengers a lift home after processing the driver. He was also sent home with a $200 fine and 50 demerit points.
When 3 News spoke to the taxi driver, he said he drank three beers at 2pm, before having a nap. He then woke up and had some dinner, before starting his shift thinking he would be okay to drive.
He says he regrets having anything to drink and hopes he now doesn't lose his job.
His message to others thinking about getting behind the wheel after drinking is don't do it.
3 News
