An unmarked police motorbike is being trialled in Canterbury.
The unmarked Yamaha MT09TRAP being trialled in Canterbury. Photo: NZ Police
Police said it is focusing on driver and rider behaviour, including unrestrained drivers and motorcycle riders not wearing helmets.
It will also look for red-light runners and cell phone use.
The unmarked Yamaha motorcycle has warning lights, a police radio and siren.
The officers trialling it are wearing a protective uniform, including a high-vis vest.
In a statement, Senior Constable Mark Middleton said he had completed three shifts on the bike and stopped at least 100 motorists.
He said the reaction so far has been positive.
"No one has expressed any doubt as to my role, the red and blue flashing lights are particularly visible at night and are accepted without question."
Sergeant Lachy Garrick, who has also trialled the motorbike, had a similar experience.
"Although police visibility is a great deterrence for poor road behaviour, an unmarked motorcycle offers other benefits such as seeing people undertake risky behaviours and then being able to stop them and engage with them to talk about road safety," he said in a statement.
The trial is running until the end of May in Canterbury and will then move to Auckland and Wellington.
