Locals across Auckland have contributed to a significant milestone in road safety, with over one million breath tests conducted so far this year.

The Auckland Police District has achieved a 41% increase in breath testing compared to the same period in 2023, according to provisional figures.

From January 1 to November 30, 2024, Police completed 1,028,009 breath tests, surpassing the 726,723 tests carried out during the same timeframe last year.

This effort represents a substantial boost in the visibility of road policing.

“These staggering numbers are a credit to our dedicated road policing teams within Auckland who are out patrolling roads every day and are all focused on prevention and enforcement,” said Inspector Juliet Burgess, Auckland Road Policing Manager.

Inspector Burgess highlighted a key outcome of these efforts: a reduction in deaths and serious injuries (DSI) on Auckland’s roads.

She attributed this success to close collaboration with Auckland Transport and the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), which helped create a stronger deterrence effect among drivers.

Teresa Burnett, Auckland Transport’s General Manager of Transport Safety, commended Police for their achievements.

“Coming into the festive season, it is doubly important that Aucklanders know they could be breath tested anytime and anywhere so that everyone can get home safely,” she said.

With summer approaching, Auckland Police have reminded drivers to stay alert and responsible.

“Drivers can expect to see our staff at any time to deter drivers of any dangerous behaviours, including driving impaired,” said Inspector Burgess.

She reinforced the message that drink driving remains a serious concern.

“We are all too familiar with the devastating results drink driving can cause, and any death on the road is one too many.”

The record breath test numbers aim to ensure safer roads for all Aucklanders as the holiday season begins.

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