A Tauranga woman was allegedly found to be more than four times over the legal breath alcohol limit after she was clocked speeding while schools finished for the day.

At around 2.50pm on Tuesday, police spotted a vehicle travelling at 80km/h in a 50km/h zone on State Highway 2 near Bethlehem.

Police conducted a roadside breath test after stopping the vehicle on Te Paeroa Rd. The driver was found to be more than four times over the legal breath alcohol limit.

The 42-year-old’s vehicle was impounded, and her licence was suspended.

She was also issued an infringement for speeding and will appear in the Tauranga District Court tomorrow, facing charges of excess breath alcohol third and subsequent.

Acting Sergeant Rebekah McLean said she was “disappointed and appalled” by the results.

“This behaviour is absurd and dangerous, and has the potential to lead to serious consequences,” she said.

“Police see too many preventable deaths on our roads, and we make no apology for targeting high-risk behaviours like drink driving and speeding.”

Police encouraged people to say something if they knew someone who had had a few drinks and was about to drive.

“Police want people to enjoy themselves, but if you have had too much, call a family member, a friend, or a taxi to pick you up — never get behind the wheel.”

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