A taxi driver behind the wheel of a cab in the Coromandel has allegedly blown over the drink driving limit, police say.
The woman was stopped at a checkpoint near Tairua before lunchtime on Thursday and blew 568 micrograms per litre of breath, Waikato Highway Patrol supervisor, Sergeant Paul Scoble said.
The limit is 400mcg.
She did not have passengers at the time but was on her way to work.
Mr Scoble said a number of drivers had complained to the checkpoint officers it was pointless setting up checkpoints during the day, but the Tairua result showed there was a genuine risk of day time drink driving.
It was extremely disappointing a taxi driver had allegedly blown over the limit as people relied on taxis to get them home when they had been drinking, Sgt Soble said.
"This result shows drink drivers don't discriminate in terms of a preferred time of day to put other motorists' lives at risk and it's tantamount to a betrayal of the trust placed on cabbies by members of the public to provide a safe, reliable and sober service."
News home