Asked yesterday if a similar road safety campaign to last year’s would take place over the festive season this year, Cook Islands Police Service spokesman Trevor Pitt  would only say that traffic safety campaigns were “ongoing” and that police had been issuing drink driving messages throughout 2018.

“And they will keep coming,” he said yesterday.

“There are no specifics to add except to keep reminding drivers not to drink and drive. Police will be active on the roads, as has been the case in past years. There will be no let-up in road safety enforcement.”

Last year a well-publicised Christmas road safety campaign started on December 18, with extra police patrols checking for vehicle safety, licences and registrations - and watching for excess alcohol and speed.

The police service had breathalyser stations dotted around the island in an extra effort to curb drink driving, and while it was considered a success, the extra road safety campaign is known to have been costly.