The Western Bay of Plenty continues to be 'over-represented” in intersection crashes, according to recently released figures.

Western Bay of Plenty road policing manager Senior Sergeant Ian Campion asks people to pay attention at intersections.

Statistics from the New Zealand Police show 262 Western Bay drivers have been given fines for running a red light so far this year.

In 2012, a total of 556 fines were issued in the Western Bay, compared to the 545 in 2011 and 463 in 2010.

Nationally, 10,898 infringement notices were issued in 2012 alone, although the figure has decreased from the 15,037 in 2010.

Western Bay of Plenty road policing manager Senior Sergeant Ian Campion says traffic light-controlled intersections are not just the problem.

'Drivers don't take the care necessary at intersections, that's predominately why we are over-represented in intersection crashes.

'But that just doesn't include those intersections controlled by traffic lights. It includes give ways, stop sign-controlled intersections, and the odd uncontrolled intersection as well.”

Ian says the problem of people not giving way is 'across the board” and not just at intersections controlled by traffic lights.

'When you look at some of the high risk intersections, you're looking at Fraser St and 15th avenues, 15th Ave and Cameron Rd, 11th Ave and Cameron Rd, Totara Stand Hewletts Rd, Bayfair roundabout; then there is a raft of rural intersections that feature highly in terms of risk.”

A lot of the crashes can be avoided if people drive carefully, concentrate on what they are doing and not allow themselves to be distracted, says Ian.

'We would love for people to take the extra care at intersections to reduce crashes. So I urge people to make sure they get their gap selection right, they don't take risks, don't push the envelope.”