Southern Police conducted 1,350 breath tests as part of an ongoing operation to crack down on illegal road-user behaviour this past weekend (June 9 -10).

Checkpoints were in place on Friday and Saturday across Otago.

“Despite the determined efforts of Southern District Police, a worrying trend of drink drivers persists throughout Otago and Southland,” Southern district commander superintendent Paul Basham said

“It’s really concerning that we continue to see alarming breath test results and driving speeds.” 

One individual was clocked travelling almost double the speed limit in a 50km/h zone. 

This driver crashed into a fence and two street signs and has since been summoned to court.

The previous weekend, police led an operation alongside Waka Kotahi and Vehicle Testing New Zealand (VTNZ) to ensure the safety of vehicles on our roads.

This operation focused on inspections of modified vehicles.

Of the 38 vehicles inspected, 15 were issued pink stickers (ordering a vehicle off the road) and six were issued green stickers (for compliance issues). 

One car was also impounded.

Paul said an escalation in road policing actions and operations has brought about positive results in keeping all road users safe.

Southern Police said they will continue to maintain a visible presence on roads and you can expect to see them anytime and anywhere.