'I shudder to think': Tanked taxi driver allegedly caught six times over drink-drive limit
An Auckland taxi driver was allegedly caught behind the wheel with an alcohol level more than six times the legal limit.
Auckland motorways police staff were alerted to the incident at 2pm on Thursday after reports the vehicle was being driven erratically while carrying passengers on a busy motorway.
The driver, who was working at the time, was driving a taxi van on the Southwestern Motorway (SH20) heading northbound when another motorist became concerned.
Auckland motorways Senior Sergeant Bill Russell said police were called about the taxi driver potentially falling asleep at the wheel.
“While speaking with the call taker, the caller advised that the taxi van had several near misses with other motorists on the road.”
As the taxi van neared the Waterview Tunnel, its speed continued to fluctuate between slower and higher speeds.
Motorways units located the van on SH20 near the Mount Albert area.
The 40-year-old male driver was taken into custody for breach alcohol procedures. He allegedly returned a result more than six times the legal limit of 250mcg.
“It’s deeply concerning to us that a professional driver has been transporting passengers while allegedly under the influence of alcohol,” Russell said.
“I shudder to think what might have happened had this man not been stopped.”
Russell praised the actions of the initial caller.
“The person that reported this to us should be commended for seeing something and doing something about it, calling police.
“I understand the caller also got behind the van and put hazard lights on to try and warn other motorists, and we acknowledge their assistance.”
The driver has been summonsed to court on a charge of being a transport service driver with breath alcohol over 400mcg per litre.
Police enquiries are ongoing and further action cannot be ruled out.
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