Only 3 drink drivers in 1500
The results of a weekend blitz on drink drivers in Oamaru have pleased police.
The Alexandra-based rural drink-drive team, stationed from Oamaru to Omarama, stopped about 1500 drivers on Friday and Saturday nights and netted just three people over the limit.
Oamaru police Acting Sergeant Stuart Dowling said traffic had generally been well behaved.
A 25-year-old Omarama man was stopped on State Highway 8 in the early hours of Saturday, recording an excess breath alcohol level of 635mcg.
He will appear in the Oamaru District Court on January 16.
The Alexandra staff also dealt with two drivers under 20 years old, who recorded excess breath alcohol readings of less than 150mcg each. They were dealt with by way of instant fines and demerit points, Mr Dowling said.
"There were a number of cars stopped when [the drink-drive team] were in town and to have only one adult and two under-20s over the limit is encouraging, but still disappointing that they were driving at all," Mr Dowling said.
Mr Dowling did not expect to see a greatly increased volume of traffic on the roads today as people head away for Christmas.
"The way it's set up this year it shouldn't be a mad rush on Christmas Eve. A lot of people have taken the day off and left in the weekend," he said.
Mr Dowling urged holiday drivers to be patient on the roads.
"Take your time and get there in one piece," he said.
