Central Otago residents may notice an increase of police on foot around the district over the next few months.

Alexandra police Senior Constable Graham Perkins said the initiative was a national police directive that started in October.

He said it was to give communities reassurance that police in their towns were visible and available, and having a visual appearance was an important thing.

Police were also monitoring high traffic areas around schools and early childhood centres, to ensure drivers were slowing down and coming to a compulsory stop at certain intersections.

Snr Const Perkins said he had already given out many infringement notices to drivers recently who were not obeying the law.

“They always ask for a warning but warnings don’t work because they just end up doing it again,” he said.

With the increase in new licensed premises, particularly around Alexandra recently, police were also carrying out regular inspections.

Starting back in early September. Snr Const Perkins said it has been great to see all of the new pubs full of people, and with few issues.

“There’s been large numbers in all of the bars over the weekends, and good behaviour by the patrons.”

Further checks again last weekend around Alexandra also found good compliance from all bar owners and no concerns.