Central Otago police have dealt with a range of driving offences this past week, as well as a fatal collision.

A 42-year-old man has been spoken to in relation to a disorder incident at a Cromwell hotel on June 28. He has been summoned to appear in the Alexandra District Court later this month (July 23).

“Enquiries are continuing for others that were involved in the altercation,” Sergeant Bruce Martin of the Alexandra Road Policing Group said.

A 51-year-old man was stopped for drink driving with a breath alcohol level of 1391 mcg on Friday (July 4). The legal limit is 250 mcg. The man’s licence was suspended for 28 days and he is to appear in Queenstown District Court on July 18.

An 18-year-old woman was apprehended travelling at 149kmph on State Highway 6 on Sunday (July 6). She was issued with a $630 fine and her driver licence suspended for 28 days.

“Our stance on safety remains straightforward,” Sergeant Martin said.

“Drivers need to be clear that if they are detected speeding or driving impaired by alcohol or drugs, they will be ticketed.

“The best way to avoid being ticketed is not to speed, not to drive drunk or under the influence of drugs. It’s that simple.”

Police attended a fatal motor vehicle collision on State Highway 8 at Dumbarton at approximately 11am on Friday (July 4). 

A 31-year-old man died as a result of injuries at the scene from a collision between a car and truck and trailer unit. 

The Police Serious Crash Unit attended with the road being closed for a number of hours. A diversion was put in place down the Teviot Valley.  

“Enquiries into the crash are continuing,” Sergeant Martin said.

He said icy roads are unforgiving, “especially here in the South where we deal with some of the most intense winter conditions in the country”.

Four factors can lead to fatalities and serious injuries on our roads: restraints, impairment through alcohol and drugs, distractions, and speed.

Police are urging drivers to make sure they are well-rested and take regular breaks, check their speed, and wear their seatbelts.

“If you would like to take a look at the scenery, please pull over in a safe area or a designated rest stop,” Sergeant Martin said.

Call 111 when you need an emergency response from police, fire or ambulance.

Call 105 to report things that don’t need urgent police assistance.

Call *555 to report road incidents that are urgent but not life-threatening.

To make an anonymous crime report contact Crime Stoppers.