Drivers should expect to see Police anytime, anywhere and in any weather this summer, as roads across the South grow busier.

Southern District Police are reminding locals and visitors to make safe choices on the roads as the holiday season approaches.

Over the weekend, officers carried out more than 5000 breath tests during 13 alcohol checkpoints in Alexandra, Roxburgh, Wānaka and Queenstown.

More than 200 drivers had consumed alcohol. Twenty-two were found to be over the legal limit and will face charges, and three had their licences suspended due to very high breath alcohol levels.

Southern District Road Policing Manager Inspector Sarah Thorn said Police would be highly visible in coming weeks to keep communities safe.

“Summer is a busy time on the roads and in people’s calendars,” she said.

“There are lots of people moving about the district, and plenty of events where alcohol is present.

“We need people to remember the four main things you can do to keep yourself safe on the roads.

“Make sure everyone’s buckled up, put distractions away, keep your speed in check, and please – if you are impaired by alcohol, drugs or fatigue – don’t get behind the wheel.

“It’s that simple. Arrange another way home and go and collect your vehicle the next day. A minor inconvenience is a far better option than being involved in a serious crash.”

Inspector Thorn said motorists should expect to be breath tested at any time they are stopped, as well as at checkpoints.

“Every drink-driver we take off the road reduces the potential for that driver to create a situation where someone’s loved one dies or receives serious injuries on our roads,” she said.

“We all need to do better and stop accepting that people dying on our roads is just what happens.

“Let’s make it a summer to remember for all the right reasons.”