Drivers across Nelson Tasman racked up more than half a million dollars in speeding fines in the first six months of the year, new police data shows.
Drivers were issued more than 6500 speeding infringements by police officers between January and the end of June. The numbers don’t include speed camera fines, which are now managed by NZTA Waka Kotahi.
The data, released last week, break down infringements that police have issued by district, area, and month.
While the wider Tasman police district includes Marlborough and the West Coast, the data has been broken down to provide an insight into driving offences across Nelson Tasman
More than 1000 drivers were caught using their phones while driving across Nelson Tasman during the 6-month period, which will cost them a total of $143,850.
Another 512 people were caught not wearing their seatbelt – that’s another $64,500 in fines for the Nelson Bays police area.
Police officers issued 47 tickets to drivers or pedestrians who ran a red light at an intersection.
Drivers were also hit in the pocket for lower-level alcohol related driving infringements; 278 drivers collectively clocked more than $19,000 in fines. Of these, 16 were under the age of 20.
Police conducted 97 Oral Fluid Test stops between April and the end of June, which screens for four key impairment drugs – THC (cannabis), methamphetamine, MDMA (extasy) and cocaine. The figures include drivers who either failed or refused the test and resulted in two infringements being issued, totalling $600.
But speeding was by far the most common and costly driving, with 6599 drivers clocking up $519,690 in fines collectively.
