Over 2600 stopped as blitz starts

Press, 11 December 1989, Page 6

Over 2600 stopped as blitz starts

By CULLEN SMITH Christchurch traffic officers stopped more than 2600 vehicles in the first three days of the latest Ministry of Transport blitz against drinking drivers. From Thursday to Saturday, 2676 motorists were interviewed at checkpoints around the city and during routine night patrols. Seventy-nine drivers were required to give breath screening tests and 33 asked for evidential tests. Seven blood samples were taken.

Four people were arrested —

one for a minor assault on a

traffic officer. In spite of the high number of vehicles pulled over, traffic officers were pleassed with the behaviour of motorists. Senior Traffic Sergeant Syd Burt said drivers appeared to be taking notice of publicity against drinking and driving. “We know the die-hards will always be there. But when the figures show less than' 50 per cent giving positive tests, that’s good,” he said. Twenty-two traffic officers

were stationed at two checkpoints on Saturday evening, stopped 1120 vehicles. On Friday night, 947 motorists were checked, with 609 vehicles stopped on Thursday. Senior Traffic Sergeant Burt said checkpoints were working between 7.30 p.m. and 12.30 a.m., with night patrols extending until 2.30 a.m. “It is obvious motorists are aware of the problems of drinking and driving. A lot of motorists have been very helpeful and very courteous,” he said.

The blitz will continue through until after the New Year holiday period. Traffic officers will stop motorists at random every evening. “Then checkpoints will be carried out as we get nearer the week-ends,” Senior Traffic Sergeant Burt said. The number of accidents around Christchurch was a continuing concern throughout the year, he said.