Police deny unreasonable ticketing over mobile phone use

Social media posts have raised questions as to whether police are issuing unjustified tickets in the Queenstown, Wānaka and Cromwell districts for offences like using a mobile phone while driving.

Cromwell drivers in particular have contacted Crux saying they've been ticketed for using a mobile phone when their phone has been in the back seat or has been otherwise inaccessible.

However police have rejected these claims in a statement to Crux today, saying they've issued over 2,000 tickets across the area as part of a targeted campaign focussing on things like seat belt wearing and mobile phone use.

Here's the full statement, from Sergeant Steven Watt, Otago Lakes Central Area Road Policing Manager.

"Police have conducted a 12-week road safety operation in the Otago Lakes area, focusing on restraints, impairment, distractions, and speed (RIDS).

Over this time period, Police issued around 2,371 infringement notices in Queenstown, Wanaka, Cromwell, and Alexandra in relation to the campaign.

We know these RIDS behaviours contribute to the deaths and serious injuries on our roads around the country, and Otago Lakes is no exception.

We will make no apology for our enforcement action as we have seen over time that our enforcement action has proven to deter people from driving dangerously.

 While Police works hard to ensure our roads are safe, we all have to take a greater responsibility to ensure everyone is safe on our roads.

 Our message is simple: Drive sober and to the conditions, drive distraction free, and wear your seatbelts."