A police crackdown on unruly drivers in the Wellington region on Saturday night resulted in 10 vehicles pink or green stickered, three licences suspended, 32 infringement notices, three vehicles impounded, and three drivers charged with excess breath alcohol.
Wellington Police said anti-social road user gatherings in the Wellington region were specifically targeted in Operation Kereru —a coordinated “zero-tolerance” approach in the Hutt Valley area.
“Over the course of the night, 10 vehicles were either pink or green stickered, three licences were suspended, 32 infringement notices were issued, three vehicles impounded, and three drivers were summonsed for excess breath alcohol,” a police statement said.
“Bailiffs from the Ministry of Justice also assisted leading to four vehicles being seized and a large number of fines collected.”
Acting Area Prevention Manager Senior Sergeant Samuel Avison said operation sent a clear message to those wanting to participate in disruptive and illegal activity.
“Our high visibility and enforcement approach meant groups were intercepted before they could set up in one location, meaning they were unable to participate in antisocial road user behaviours.”
He said Wellington Police were committed to holding illegal street racers to account “as we know the impact this activity has on the community”.
“Not only does it keep residents awake and damage the roads, but it places drivers, passengers, bystanders, and other motorists at extreme risk,” Avison said.
Police were asking members of the public to report unlawful activity, as soon as possible with as much information as safely possible.
“This will assist in an effective response to the issue, and in cases where we can’t immediately response, allow us to follow up with drivers and take later enforcement action.
Information could be reported as it happened by calling 111— or through our 105 service for non-emergencies.
Alternatively, details could be passed anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police said they would remain “agile and persistent, ready to respond and disrupt gatherings, conduct checkpoints, and stopping drivers across the district”.
