Police say they’re disappointed in the results of recent operations targeting drink driving, saying intoxicated drivers are being caught day and night, some with "ridiculous" breath alcohol levels.
The latest sting on Wednesday night saw ten Bay of Plenty drivers facing drink driving prosecution, with one motorist recording a breath alcohol level of 1201 – more than four times the legal limit.
As well as facing prosecution, two drivers had their vehicles immediately impounded, while a further three had their licences suspended immediately because their reading was over 650.
Another checkpoint near Omokoroa two weeks ago caught nine people driving impaired.
Bay of Plenty Police Sergeant Mark Holmes said they’re detecting drink driving at all times of the day.
"Last week we stopped several people during the day with readings far exceeding the limit, including a person with a breath alcohol level of 1100 and another with a reading of 754 at 10am", Sergeant Holmes said, "it’s not uncommon for us to be catching people driving impaired as early as 8am or 9am."
The district’s Road Policing Manager, Inspector Logan Marsh, said the rate at which they’re catching people is both alarming and unacceptable.
"The actions of drivers who get behind the wheel when they’re impaired puts all road users at risk – and our staff see the devastating consequences on a far too frequent basis."
And with the Christmas season and afterwork drinks starting, he fears the results will only get worse unless attitudes change.
"Motorists can expect to be stopped and breath tested anywhere, at any time."
