17 May 2016

Truck driver charged over Penrose overbridge crash

12:49 pm on 17 May 2016

The driver of the truck which slammed into a Penrose overbridge last week, shutting down a major Auckland motorway, has been charged by police.

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The bridge was severely damaged by the digger crashing into it. Photo: RNZ/ Tom Furley

Part of the southern motorway was closed for hours last Monday after the vehicle, which was hauling a heavy digger, failed to stop as it approached the bridge, hitting the overpass and causing the digger to topple.

Police said they have charged a 65-year-old Taupo man with dangerous driving.

He is due to appear in the Auckland District Court in June.

Police said the charge carried a mandatory disqualification period from driving of six months, and it was also punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to three months and a fine of up to $4500.