Police ‘highly disappointed’
DISTRACTED drivers, speeding motorists and even one of their own have left Dunedin police highly disappointed this week.
Police have carried out checkpoint operations at three intersections in the central city, focusing on motorists not wearing seatbelts or using their cellphones while driving.
Included in the 45 drivers caught using their cellphones while driving was one police officer.
Otago Coastal team leader of road policing Senior Sergeant Jared Kirk confirmed a police officer was caught using a cellphone while driving.
Police were working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and if it was found the phone was not being used for an emergency, the officer would be issued an infringement notice, Snr Sgt Kirk said.
Police were very concerned with the number of infringements across the three checkpoints, he said.
‘‘We will continue to run this type of operation with the aim of reducing this type of behaviour, and making our roads safer for everyone who uses them.’’
In another police operation, 15 drivers were caught speeding, including one driver caught travelling at 184kmh on the Southern Motorway.
Acting Inspector Craig Dinnissen, of Dunedin, said the motorist was endangering other road users.
‘‘That is not only putting yourself at risk, that is putting absolutely every other road user at immense risk too.’’
Another driver was charged with driving at 130kmh while using a spacesaver tyre.
Drivers were not meant to exceed 80kmh while using a spacesaver, Insp Dinnissen said.
‘‘We’re highly disappointed, to put it politely . . . It’s not acceptable in any way, shape or form.’’
Police arrested another driver in Mosgiel on Wednesday night after a short chase down Gordon Rd.
A 27year old man was arrested and charged with driving while disqualified and failing to stop for police.
His vehicle was also impounded.
When he was eventually stopped in High St, the man initially tried to flee from police on foot but gave up when confronted by a police dog, Insp Dinnissen said.