A driver has allegedly blown nearly six times the legal alcohol limit during a morning traffic stop in Taupō, shocking local police.
The Hawke’s Bay man, 33, already on a zero-alcohol licence, was pulled over and breath tested yesterday before midday.
Officers pulled his vehicle over after it was seen allegedly weaving within its lane and travelling slightly over the speed limit.
Bay of Plenty road policing manager inspector Logan Marsh said the standard of driving hadn’t initially rung “alarm bells” for police.
“Though the standard of driving behaviour wasn’t anything that rang immediate alarm bells, police signalled for the vehicle to stop,” he said.
“The driver obliged and engaged in conversation with our staff member, mentioning that he had travelled into Taupō from outside the region that morning.
“After checking the man’s details in the system, it became apparent he was on a zero-alcohol licence. According to the breathalyser, however, the man was anything but sober.”
March said the case showed the “importance of breath-testing every driver, regardless of the time, whether they appear intoxicated, or the reason we’ve stopped them.”
“These people are sharing the roads with our family, friends and colleagues,” he said.
“This is just one example of the intoxicated drivers being caught across the district, with our staff seeing some ridiculous levels. If you’re drinking, don’t drive.
A 33-year-old man is due to appear in the Taupō District Court on September 11, facing a charge of driving contrary to a zero alcohol licence and excess breath.
