Thousands caught speeding during Christmas

Almost 3500 motorists were caught drink-driving on Australian and New Zealand roads during the Christmas holiday period.

The Australia New Zealand Policing Advisory Agency (ANZPAA) on Friday released data from its holiday road safety operation, Operation Crossroads, showing 3473 drink-driving offences were committed by motorists in the two countries.

More than one million road users were tested for alcohol during the 12-day operation and nearly 5700 drivers were screened for drugs, with 546 positive results.

ANZPAA also reported 7845 licence offences, 62,251 traffic infringement notices and 36,287 speeding charges.

New Zealand and Australian police also impounded 1853 cars in the holiday period.

The operation targeted drink- and drug-driving, speeding, fatigue, distraction and motorists not wearing seatbelts.

ANZPAA is the agency that serves Police Commissioners in Australia and New Zealand.