Source: New Zealand Police
Two drivers face charges after being detected travelling at excessive speeds on Auckland’s Southern Motorway overnight.
At around 10.35pm, an Auckland Motorways unit detected a Nissan 4WD being driven at 130 km/h near Manurewa.
Senior Sergeant Bill Russell says the vehicle was signalled to stop and followed instructions initially.
“It was concerning as the vehicle was swerving in and out of its lane at the time we located it,” he says.
Police suspected that the driver was on a driver’s licence that had zero alcohol conditions,
Once the vehicle stopped initially, it drove off as Police were approaching the vehicle.
“The vehicle wasn’t pursued, but JTOC cameras have monitored the vehicle’s movements and Eagle also got overhead,” Senior Sergeant Russell says.
Police had laid spikes at the Takanini off-ramp.
“The vehicle was successfully spiked and was observed driving to the registered owner’s address in Takanini, where we arrested the 27-year-old driver.”
The man was found to be allegedly more than double the legal breath alcohol limit.
He will appear in the Manukau District Court next week, charged with driving with excess breath alcohol, dangerous driving, driving contrary to a zero-alcohol licence and failing to remain.
“It’s fortunate that no other motorists have been harmed by the driver’s dangerous actions last night.”
Hours later, a Motorways unit detected a Nissan being driven at 146 km/h near Penrose.
“Our unit signalled this car to stop, but it continued travelling south on the motorway at speed,” Senior Sergeant Russell says.
The Nissan was tracked by JTOC cameras and the Eagle helicopter, as it exited the motorway at Redoubt Road near Manukau.
Overhead, Eagle continued tracking the vehicle on Redoubt Road.
“The Nissan came round a corner at speed, losing control and colliding with a parked ute causing extensive damage to both vehicles,” Senior Sergeant Russell says.
“Police staff arriving on scene have caught the driver attempting to run on foot and he was arrested.”
The 18-year-old man, from Flat Bush, has been charged with dangerous driving, exceeding 100km/h posted speed limit, failing to stop and possession of cannabis.
He will appear in the Manukau District Court next week.
“It’s a great result from our night shift team, and fortunately we are not having to announce a law-abiding motorist hasn’t been seriously hurt or killed on the road overnight,” Senior Sergeant Russell says.
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/09/speeding-on-the-southern-drivers-charged-overnight/