Police set up checkpoints at known meeting points across Tāmaki Makaurau on Saturday night. Photo: Supplied / Police
Police say a crackdown on boy racers in Auckland has revealed a concerning number of cars aren't fit to be driven.
The operation targeting the so-called 'Auckland invasion' street racing event resulted in dozens of fines, impounded vehicles, and thousands of drivers breath-tested on Saturday night, police said.
Acting Counties Manukau District Commander, Acting Superintendent Alison Brand told Morning Report police were backed by the Eagle helicopter and used tips from the public and social media to target drivers in convoy across the city.
She said 40 cars were taken off the road by inspectors stationed at checkpoints.
"That's quite concerning when you think we had approximately 200 cars at this meet and 20 percent of these vehicles were not up to road worthy driving standard - they were either unsafe or defective."
Brand said police were now trawling CCTV footage and social media to track down more drivers at the meet.
More than 2500 drivers were breath-tested, with at least 15 found to be over the limit, and five vehicles were impounded.
Inspector Regan James said despite the size of the convoy and dangerous driving behaviour and burnouts, there was little disruption to the wider public.
He said officers were reviewing footage and other evidence to identify additional offenders.
The crackdown comes ahead of proposed new legislation that would see tougher penalties for street racers and fleeing drivers.
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