Central Otago drivers can expect to see more drink-driving checkpoints on the region's roads as the police Rural Drink Drive Group steps up operations for the summer socialising season.
Between 7pm and 11.30pm on Thursday night the four-strong police squad stopped and breath-tested 920 drivers at a checkpoint on Frankton Rd, arresting two young Queenstown drivers for excess breath-alcohol.
Sergeant Bruce Martin, officer in charge of the Alexandra-based patrol, said a female (17) was recorded 320mcg, while a male (25) blew 577mcg.
"It would be nice to catch no-one, but two out of 900-odd cars is not too bad and the levels were at the lower end," Sgt Martin said.
Recently, the group had noticed an upsurge in high breath-alcohol readings, with several drivers being stopped with breath-alcohol levels in the 800mcg to 900mcg region, and one Cromwell driver - who was stopped at 11.45am - recorded over 1000mcg.
"We're moving towards Christmas and summer and people need to think about how they're drinking and to arrange alternative ways of getting home rather than driving.
It's just not worth the risk for themselves or other road users, who could be involved in a serious or fatal crash," Sgt Martin said.
"People can expect to see us any time of the day or night."
