Canterbury Police carried out more than 14-thousand roadside breath tests during a major drink driving operation in December

Christchurch's Impairment Prevention Team ran 86 checkpoints across the city, North Canterbury and Selwyn from December 10th to the 24.

It resulted in 32 excess breath alcohol readings, three vehicles impounded and a fleeing driver captured.

Senior Sergeant Mike Jones says the testing showed a significant reduction compared to the rest of 2025, which is a positive sign moving into a new year.