Blitz highlights drink drive problem

Police conducted their biggest ever nationwide drink driving blitz and say the number over the limit was way too high.

On Friday night 43,000 motorists were breath tested throughout New Zealand with what police call alarming results - around 340 drivers are likely to face prosecution.

National Road Policing Manager Superintendent Dave Cliff has been vocal about the need to do something about the number of people drinking and driving. Friday night proved his point.

"The number of alcohol related crashes are going up, the number of prosecutions is going up and the number of prosecutions from last night really demonstrates we have got a significant drink drive problem in New Zealand," says Cliff.

Already this year, 43 people have died in alcohol-related crashes compared to 28 this time last year, and many more have been caught drinking and driving.

Most of those stopped on Friday were under the limit but it is the ones who aren't that are causing concern.

Cliff says drink driving campaigns are no longer working and action of a different kind is needed.

"The most significant change we could make is the reduction in the blood alcohol level to the same levels of Australia, which is something we're very strongly advocating for. There's a potential to save a huge amount of lives through that initiative," he says.

But Police Minister Annette King's office has reiterated they are not looking at lowering the blood alcohol level although she is pleased the issue is being discussed.

With blitz's like Friday nights it is unlikely the discussion will go away fast.

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