Crimeline: Massive Police checkpoint operation
Massive Police checkpoint operation
Police have been out in force in the past few weeks operating 20 checkpoints across Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago and breath-testing 3,278 drivers.
Otago Lakes Road Policing Manager Senior Sergeant Clint Wright says these targeted efforts resulted in 12 drivers now facing court appearances with drivers allegedly clocking breath alcohol levels ranging from 464mcgs up to an alarming 1128mcgs – that local male driver tested in Ranfurly.
Wright says Police also carried out 25 random drug tests under the new Oral Fluid Test (OFT) requirements with one driver issued with a $400 infringement notice and slapped with 75 demerit points for allegedly refusing the roadside procedure.
Alexandra Police also intercepted an alleged high-risk driver on the Fruitlands straight after multiple public complaints of dangerous driving between Dunedin and Alexandra last Thursday, 20 August. A 24-year-old Dunedin woman was arrested, Wright says. After allegedly failing a Compulsory Impairment Test to test for any evidence of drugs, the young woman allegedly also refused to provide a blood sample. She was bailed to appear in the Alexandra District Cout today (27 August).
“This outcome underscores the invaluable role of public vigilance in protecting our communities,” Wright says.
He’s urging patience on our roads, especially when drivers are stuck behind slower vehicles, whether those are driven by overseas or visiting Kiwi drivers, or other local drivers.
“We see people trying to pass in fog or other unsafe circumstances, making poor decisions,” he says. “It only takes a moment to end with dire consequences.
“The growth, especially around Queenstown, has impacted our roading infrastructure and we’re seeing that impatience result in anything from near misses to fatal crashes.”
Albert Town blaze treated as suspicious – 22 evacuated
Fire and Emergency New Zealand has launched an investigation into the cause of Saturday night’s (22 August) vegetation fire in Albert Town with the origin and cause of the fire being treated as suspicious.
FENZ is asking for assistance from people in the area. The fire in a reserve with an extended belt of trees and native vegetation threatened several properties and caused the evacuation of 22 homes. Specialist fire investigators have been on the fire ground this week.
Otago Community Risk Manager James Knapp says they’re interested to hear from people who were in the area shortly before the fire was reported, at 7.28pm. They’re also keen to get hold of any photographs or video footage of the early stages of the fire. “The period of particular interest is the half hour between 7.15pm and 7.45pm with the area of most interest for photographs and footage at the lagoon end of the reserve south of Lagoon Avenue,” the spokesperson says. Information will be treated in confidence.
To make contact with the fire investigation team email: OtagoDistrictCRM@fireandemergency.nz
Woman rescued from Moonlight Track
A woman in her 40s had to be airlifted off the Moonlight to Moke Lake Track by the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter about 5pm last Wednesday, 19 August, after deviating from the track and injuring her leg in steep terrain, Constable Amanda Shute says.
The woman had been returning from her walk and found herself on steep terrain unable to climb back onto the track. “She had hurt her leg and was unable to continue.” The rescue helicopter was deployed to airlift her out.
Kelvin Heights intersection smash
An overseas driver in their 20s was issued with an infringement notice after a two-vehicle collision at the Kelvin Heights turn-off intersection between Kingston Road and Peninsula Road around 4pm on Friday, 21 August. Shute says the vehicle turning into Peninsula Road had allegedly failed to give way to an oncoming vehicle travelling towards Frankton, causing extensive damage to both vehicles. Thankfully, nobody was injured in the crash.
Driver charged after Lower Shotover crash
A man in his 40s was charged with careless driving while under the influence of drink or drug causing injury, drink driving and possession of cannabis after a crash on St George Drive, Lower Shotover, just before 6pm on Monday, 24 August. Shute says the alleged driver was found soon after on Kerry Drive, Queenstown Hill, and allegedly blew 543mcg.
Big snow to hit roads
Motorists are being urged to carefully consider their travel plans in the next few days with heavy snow predicted from yesterday from Arrowtown north and on the Lindis Pass.
Heavy rain was also causing surface flooding around the region
affecting State Highway 6 between Makarora and Fox Glacier.
An NZTA spokesperson says the road between Te Anau and Milford was closed yesterday from the Lower Hollyford Road intersection to Donne River due to avalanche risk. Milford Road Alliance staff guided 14 vehicles out of Milford in an escorted convoy, a mix of tourists, visitors and Milford workers. The spokesperson says the road would remain closed today with a possible reopening tomorrow (Friday).
Significant snowfalls were expected last night with a heavy snow watch in place for the area from north of Arrowtown to Ranfurly with up to 20cm predicted for State Highway 73 and up to 15cm over the Lindis Pass (State Highway 8).
People were being urged to consider the risks of travelling, especially inland and via alpine passes during the storm, reduce speed, increase following distances, avoid sudden braking or turning movements and stay as visible as possible. Carry warm clothing, food and water in case of travel delays, NZTA says.
