In a statement, Senior Sergeant Bill Russell said police were called on Thursday afternoon about a taxi van that had had several alleged near-misses with other vehicles on Auckland’s southwestern motorway. Russell said the caller thought the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel. As the taxi van approached the Waterview Tunnel, heading northbound, Russell said the driver’s speed continued to fluctuate between slow and high. Police located the vehicle on State Highway 20 near Mount Albert. A 40-year-old male was then taken into
custody for a breath alcohol check, allegedly returning a result more than six times the legal limit. Police confirmed the driver was on duty at the time of the incident. “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 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 appear in court, on a charge of being a transport service driver with breath alcohol over 400mcgs per litre. Inquiries continue and further action against the man has not been ruled out.
Auckland taxi van, Waterview Tunnel, State Highway 20, Mount Albert, breath alcohol over 400mcgs per litre, transport service driver