Police have warned they will be targeting drink drivers across Counties Manukau in the week before Christmas, with day-and-night breath test checkpoints.
They won't just be focusing on the main roads - there will also be 'pop-up'-style checkpoints on smaller rural and urban roads.
Counties Manukau Road Policing Manager Inspector Tony Wakelin said they're targeting people driving to-and-from end-of-year functions and those taking the 'backroads' to avoid checkpoints.
"Traditionally this time of year is when businesses and workplaces finish up for the year and have functions, which leads to an increase in the number of people driving under the influence of alcohol," Insp Wakelin said in a statement on Monday.
"In 2023 (as of October 19) there have been 26 fatal crashes and 144 crashes resulting in serious injuries in Counties Manukau, often with a link to the driver being impaired by alcohol or drugs."
Wakelin said police are appealing to employers to make sure their staff get home safely by having designated sober drivers or alternative transport available.
"We are not the fun police, have your fun but please - be safe on our roads and don't drink and drive," he said.
"If you drive impaired you may lose your licence, or worse, someone's life."
Operation Pop Up will run from December 15-24.
