Police say the incidents are a reminder of the importance of breath testing on the roads. (file image) Photo: RNZ
Bay of Plenty police are warning drivers not to get behind the wheel drunk, after a rise in the number of impaired motorists being caught.
The region's road policing manager, Inspector Logan Marsh, said 10 people who were stopped by police at a checkpoint had alcohol levels four times over the limit last week.
As well as facing prosecution, two of the 10 drivers had their vehicles immediately impounded while another three had their licences suspended immediately, because their reading was over 650, Marsh said.
Intoxicated drivers were being caught all hours, some with "ridiculous levels", he said.
The legal alcohol limit for a fully licensed driver over 20 is 250mcg per litre of breath, and the limit for those under 20 is zero.
"These people are sharing the roads with our family, our friends, and our colleagues," he said.
"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."
(file image) Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
Marsh said driving after drinking alcohol puts others at risk and with Christmas festivities starting, attitudes needed to change.
Sergeant Mark Holmes said the numbers were indicative of what other recent checkpoints in the area had found.
Two weeks ago, police caught nine people driving intoxicated during a two-hour checkpoint near Ōmokoroa, Holmes said.
"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.
"It's not uncommon for us to be catching people driving impaired as early as 8am or 9am."
The incidents were a stark reminder of the importance of breath testing, he said.
"Motorists can expect to be stopped and breath tested anywhere, at any time."