Police caught a man driving more than five times over the legal alcohol limit in Northland recently – only to find him driving again just three hours later.
Officers initially came across the man after a car was spotted driving on the wrong side of the road in Ruakākā on Friday, December 8.
Police stopped the vehicle, and were “alarmed” to find the driver was more than five times over the legal limit.
“He was immediately suspended from driving and was sent home by our staff,” said police.
However, the same man was found driving another vehicle just three hours later in Whangārei, when he allegedly drove through a red light.
“Upon stopping this vehicle, it was established the driver was the same that had been stopped in Ruakākā.”
A further breath test was carried out and the man recorded a blood alcohol level of 1171mcg, more than four times over the legal limit.
The 37-year-old Ruakākā man was arrested and is facing two excess breath alcohol charges, as well as a third charge of driving while suspended, in the Whangārei District Court.
Northland Road Policing manager, Inspector Anne-Marie Fitchett, said it is unacceptable the risk the man’s alleged actions put on the community.
It comes as Northland Police said it's upping its presence across the region’s roading network.
“You will find us setting up checkpoints across the region in different locations throughout summer.
“We’re reminding locals and visitors to the region not to be surprised if they’re pulled over and breath tested during their travels at any time of the day," Fitchett said.
There will also be patrols across the district to ensure motorists are driving safely.
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