More than fifty drivers have been issued with infringement notices following a safe-driving operation in Whakatane this morning.

The operation was held between Gateway Drive and Keepa Road from 6am-10am.

Eastern Bay of Plenty road policing manager Sergeant Ray Wylie says the campaign is a result of police receiving a number of complaints about poor driving in the area.

'In total 55 infringement notices were issued for a number of offences including, failing to drive within own lane through a roundabout, entering a blocked roundabout and failing to give way on a roundabout.

'Nine of the drivers were identified using a cell phone while driving on State Highway 30.

'An area for stopping vehicles was set up between Keepa Road and the Landing Road bridge to minimise disruption to traffic flowing into the Whakatane Township.”

Ray says police are disappointed about a number of drivers who diverted through the Hub onto SH30 creating a bottleneck and causing traffic delays into Whakatane.

'Police is committed to reducing death and injury on our roads but we cannot do it alone.

'We need to work together - please take responsibility for your driving and reduce the risk to yourselves and others.

'Our message to all road users is clear: Don't drive distracted, stay within your own lane, buckle up, watch your speed, and never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”