A traveling goat recalls the police at the east of Abundance Bay

A traveling and unbridled goat has become the reference for police reminders about monitoring our most vulnerable passengers while driving.

Over the past two days, the Eastern Bay of Plenty police have conducted a campaign targeting child restraints in vehicles.

Constable Marty Sanderson, of Whakatane, said the checks were done in Kawerau, Te Teko, Opotiki and Whakatane – and that it was not just the people being monitored by the police.

An unbridled goat was spotted in a vehicle and, even though it was not illegal, it was also not the best way to travel for four-legged friends.

"It was strange to see an unbridled goat in a car today, but what's good is that all human passengers were wearing their seatbelt.

"Although it is not illegal to have an unrestrained animal in your vehicle, pets must be securely attached with the help of a harness or harness. an appropriate seat belt, in a loading gate, cage or crate. "

The checkpoint was part of the road safety group initiative in the east of Abundance Bay and included Eastbay R.E.A.P, Te Puna Ora O Mataatua, East Bay Road Safety and Te Pou Oranga O Whakatohea.

Sgt. Ray Wylie, of the Highway Police team, said he was satisfied with the way the operation unfolded.

"Among the defects identified were children who were not attached at all, twisted shoulder straps, poorly adjusted seats, and children with inappropriately sized restraints.

"In almost all cases where a child was found unbridled, the driver was wearing a seatbelt."

He reminded drivers that it was their responsibility to ensure that children of vehicles up to 15 years old were properly restrained.

"The proper use of a child restraint can mean the difference between life and death, so it's important to regularly check the restraints to ensure the safety of our children."

During the operation, a technician inspected 166 child restraints, six were handed over to those in need and 33 offense notices were issued, including 15 for violation of restraint devices for children.