Southland Police are seriously concerned about an alarming increase in young drink drivers, one a 17-year-old driver who allegedly blew a whopping 1097mcg after leaving a local rugby last weekend.

Acting Inspector Mel Robertson says the marked spike in drink driving offences among young drivers under 20 throughout the province is extremely concerning with three high readings just last weekend (5 and 6 July) alone highlighting the severity of the issue.

Drivers under 20 have a zero-alcohol limit.

An 18-year-old-driver, stopped shortly after leaving a licensed venue, allegedly blew 817mcg and another teenage driver allegedly blew 576mcg on a rural road near Waikaka, she says.

“These figures are well over the legal limit for any driver over the age of 20, but it’s even more alarming that these young drivers have a zero-alcohol limit while driving, showing a dangerous disregard for road safety,” Robertson says.

Western Southland Road Policing Supervisor Sergeant Dave Leach, of Te Anau, says he was also charging a 19-year-old Lumsden man with allegedly driving five times over the legal youth limit, twice the adult alcohol limit, at 800mcgs.

He says considering it’s illegal for youth under 20 to drive having had any alcohol at all – a zero limit, that level was “through the roof”.

Police regularly catch drivers in their late teens – 17, 18 and 19 drink driving in rural areas.

Anyone under 20 caught driving with 200mcg of alcohol per litre of breath was heading straight for court, while those under that level received an instant $200 fine and 200 D-merit points.

“It’s pretty clear cut. If you’re under 20 and you’ve even just had one beer, you can’t drive,” Leach says. Young drivers are taking risks and driving home. “Make plans to get home or arrange a sober driver.”

Robertson says there’s been “a troubling upward trend in excess breath alcohol offences, particularly among drivers under 20” during the last few months.

Police have increased proactive patrols and enforcement efforts across the district with support from Impairment Prevention Teams and further operations are planned for the Eastern Area in particular.

“We’re doing everything we can, boots on the ground, education in clubs, regular messaging through local radio, to get the message across, Eastern Southland Area Response Manager Senior Sergeant Gary Iddenten says.

“But it’s frustrating when it feels like it’s going in one ear and out the other.

“We’re urging people to think ahead, plan their nights, and make smart decisions. One poor choice can have devastating consequences, not just for the driver, but for everyone on the road.”

Overseas Drivers Speeding To Milford Clock up to 156km/hr

Meanwhile, Western Southland Police continue to regularly catch drivers clocking excessively high speeds, especially in the Lowther area near Five Rivers.

Leach says the last person he caught speeding this week clocked 96km/hr in a 50km/hr zone at Mossburn.

“They’re mostly overseas visitors rushing to catch boat cruises in Fiordland, four caught recently with speeds ranging from 146km/hr to 156km/hr,” he says.

“They’re often rushing to get to a boat cruise and feel pressured because of what their GPS is telling them. Naturally they want to speed up,” Leach says.

“If they didn’t have GPS, they wouldn’t be in tune with how late they were.”

Black Ice Warnings – Slow Down

All this in mid-winter with black ice crashes happening around the south and warnings for drivers to slow down.

Leach says there have been several crashes in which black ice has been a factor, fortunately nobody was injured.

One was by The Key where a motorist slid off the bridge and down to the water table coming to rest in the grass.

“Bridges are always high risk for black ice, so people need to slow down and be cautious,” he says.

Police around the region say people should expect loose grit, ice or black ice at the time of year with some heavy frosts.

They say icy roads are “unforgiving, especially in the south”, which has some of the most intense winter conditions in the country.

Drivers are being urged to drive to the conditions, slow down and check their speed, wear seatbelts, make sure they’re well-rested and take regular breaks.

Anyone wanting to look at the scenery should pull over in a safe area or designated rest stop.

Aggravated robberies - Enquiries continuing

Enquiries are still continuing into the two aggravated robberies in Invercargill last Saturday morning, however, Southern District Police Area Investigations Manager Sean Carins says they’re not seeking anybody else in relation to these.

A young person appeared in the Youth Court this week after being arrested in relation to the robberies that occurred at around 6am in commercial premises in Tay and Dee Streets. Cairns says Police are very grateful to the members of the public who assisted them with information in relation to these.

Police CBD Holiday Clampdown Deters Disorder

A Police clampdown on unruly and disorderly behaviour in Invercargill’s CBD this school holidays produced the desired result with “overwhelmingly positive feedback” from both local retailers and members of the public.

“As the school holiday period concludes, we’re happy to report a highly successful and positive fortnight within the Invercargill CBD,” Robertson says.

Police ran increased patrols throughout the two-week break and reports of disorder were minimal.

“The city centre, as well as popular gathering areas for youth, remained vibrant and well managed,” she says.

Police want to commend those in the community for their “cooperation and commendable behaviour”, which contributed to a safe and enjoyable environment for all.

Sue Fea is a senior journalist with more than 40-years experience covering police, social and general news in the southern regions.