‘Zero tolerance’ in street racer invasion
Police impounded nine vehicles and issued more than 200 infringement notices when about 500 street racers gathered in Hamilton last weekend.
Waikato road policing manager Inspector Jeff Penno said four people were charged with driving with excess breathalcohol.
‘‘Police took a zero-tolerance approach, focusing not only on dangerous and illegal driving but also driver compliance with driver licence conditions and vehicle safety standards,’’ he said in a statement.
‘‘More than 200 infringement notices were issued over the two nights.’’
Police had heard that an event involving hundreds of illegal street racers was being planned in Waikato and they recruited more than 50 staff from Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Counties Manukau to help with the operation.
Nine vehicles were impounded for sustained loss of traction and licensing offences, and numerous vehicles were ordered off the road with significant vehicle faults.
A car is impounded for 28 days. In order for it to be released at the end of that time, the owner has to pay the towing company’s towing and storage fees.
Depending on the offence committed, there may also be a fine but the release of the car is not dependent on the fine being paid.
Penno said the vast majority of the group were vehicle enthusiasts and did not cause any real concerns or break the law.
‘‘But these gatherings seem to encourage factions within these groups who undertake reckless and illegal acts that put other road users and themselves at risk, and cause significant damage to roading infrastructure.’’
He said that more than 70 vehicles had been impounded by Waikato police in the past 12 months as a result of police following up on information provided from the public, or security camera footage supplied.
Further operations were planned, building on the success of these latest actions.