An on-duty taxi driver has been caught allegedly driving six times over the legal alcohol limit.
In a statement, Senior Sergeant Bill Russell said police were called on Thursday afternoon about a taxi van that had had several alleged near-misses with other vehicles on Auckland's southwestern motorway.
Russell said the caller thought the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel.
As the taxi van approached the Waterview Tunnel, heading northbound, Russell said the driver's speed continued to fluctuate between slow and high.
Police located the vehicle on State Highway 20 near Mount Albert.
A 40-year-old male was then taken into custody for a breath alcohol check, allegedly returning a result more than six times the legal limit.
Police confirmed the driver was on duty at the time of the incident.
"It's deeply concerning to us that a professional driver has been transporting passengers while allegedly under the influence of alcohol," Russell said.
"I shudder to think what might have happened had this man not been stopped."
Russell praised the actions of the caller.
"The person that reported this to us should be commended for seeing something and doing something about it, calling police.
"I understand the caller also got behind the van and put hazard lights on to try and warn other motorists, and we acknowledge their assistance."
The driver has been summonsed to appear in court, on a charge of being a transport service driver with breath alcohol over 400mcgs per litre.
Inquiries continue and further action against the man has not been ruled out.
Read the full article at RNZ (Radio New Zealand) →📄Source document: Senior Sergeant Bill Russell
4 reports
RNZ (Radio New Zealand)State / PublicCenter2 days agoAn on-duty taxi driver was allegedly found driving six times over the legal alcohol limit on Auckland's southwestern motorway. Police received reports of near-misses and erratic driving before locating the vehicle on State Highway 20 near Mount Albert. The driver, a 40-year-old male, was taken into custody for a breath test, which reportedly showed an alcohol level far above the legal limit. Senior Sergeant Bill Russell expressed concern over the potential danger posed by the driver and praised the caller who alerted authorities.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without apparent ideological framing. It focuses on the incident itself, quoting law enforcement officials and describing events objectively. There is no evident bias toward any political stance or group.
Official sources cited
- government Senior Sergeant Bill Russell
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Bias read (Center): The article reports on a specific incident involving law enforcement and does not present any political viewpoints, framing, or biased language. It focuses on the actions of the police and the rescue operation without taking a stance or emphasizing any particular ideological perspective.
Official sources cited
- government Inspector Vaughn Graham
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Bias read (Center): The article provides a straightforward account of the incident without apparent bias. It includes details from police statements and does not show favoritism toward any side. There is no indication of loaded language, one-sided sourcing, or omission of context.
Official sources cited
- government Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Wilson
RNZ (Radio New Zealand)State / PublicCenter6 days ago Driver in custody after alleged near misses on Auckland's southern motorwayAuckland police have detained a motorist following reports of dangerous driving on the southern motorway. The incident occurred around 5pm on Monday when a Mercedes-Benz was allegedly swerving across southbound lanes, nearly colliding with other vehicles. Police stopped the car south of the Papakura on-ramp, near Drury. Both the driver and a passenger are in custody while investigations continue. Police thanked drivers who contacted emergency services to help prevent potential harm.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a straightforward account of a traffic incident without taking a stance or using biased language. It focuses on factual details such as the time, location, and actions taken by authorities. There is no indication of ideological framing or emphasis on particular viewpoints.
Official sources cited
- government Senior Sergeant Dave Readings
NZ