Marlborough police-issued speeding fines top $350,000 in six months

Marlborough drivers racked up more than $350,000 in speeding fines in the first six months of the year, new police data shows.

Drivers were issued more than 3330 speeding infringements by police officers between January and the end of June.

The numbers don’t include speed camera fines, which are now managed by NZTA Waka Kotahi.

The data, released last week, break down infringements that police have issued by district, area, and month.

While the wider Tasman police district includes Nelson and the West Coast, the data has been broken down to provide an insight into driving offences across Marlborough specifically.

Two hundred and fifty drivers were caught using their phones while driving across Marlborough during the six-month period, which will cost them a total of $33,300.

Another 286 people were caught not wearing their seatbelt – that’s another $37,500 in fines.

A single loan infringement was issued for a driver or pedestrian who ran a red light – some feat considering there are no lights in the region – it would presumably have happened at a temporary set-up.

Drivers were also hit in the pocket for lower-level alcohol related driving infringements; 201 drivers collectively clocked more than $13,000 in fines. Of these, eight were under the age of 20.

Another 12 drivers were pinged for drug-specific driving offences.

Marlborough police conducted just three Oral Fluid Test stops between April and the end of June, which screens for four key impairment drugs – THC (cannabis), methamphetamine, MDMA (extasy) and cocaine. The figures include drivers who either failed or refused the test.

But speeding was by far the most common and costly driving, with 3332 drivers clocking up $358,650 in fines collectively.