An undercover cop disguised as a member of the public has shocked Kiwis on social media - but police say this tactic isn't new.
A photo of a police officer recording cars on Great South Road in Auckland went viral on Facebook as many applauded the "creative way" to catch drivers on their phones.
However, according to police, officers in disguise have long been monitoring our roads from the sidewalk.
A police spokesperson said police regularly carry out road policing operations across the country and this particular operation in Counties Manukau recently focused on distractions and restraints.
"These types of operations are an important part of our prevention and enforcement activities on our roads," Counties Manukau road policing acting Senior Sergeant Andy Heath said.
"The use of a plainclothes officer to watch for these offences is a standard operating tactic to prevent death and serious injuries."
Twenty people have died on the roads in Counties Manukau so far this year, he said.
"Using a mobile phone while driving or not wearing a seatbelt is an offence but is also a cause of death and serious injury," Snr Sgt Heath said.
"Road safety is everyone's responsibility and Police continue to do our part to ensure motorists' safety."
The same message was reciprocated on social media.
"Get off your phones then… [They] wouldn't be standing there," one person commented.
"I don't think that's wrong really," another commented. "People texting and driving are a real danger."
