23 Apr 2023

Hundreds of cars reportedly block highway in late-night gathering, one arrested

5:32 pm on 23 April 2023
Police car on the street at night

Photo: 123RF

More than 300 cars were reported driving dangerously at a Western Bay of Plenty road gathering Saturday night, with one person arrested and a pedestrian injured.

Police said they responded to reports of around 300 cars driving dangerously at the organised gathering and anti-social behaviour.

State Highway 36 was blocked due to the vehicles for a time.

The group was dispersed, and they then relocated to the intersection of Welcome Bay Road and Western Bay Link Road, police said.

Police spiked one of the vehicles and apprehended the driver. One person was taken into custody and charges are being considered.

One of the vehicles collided with a pedestrian and they were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

The vehicles were finally dispersed around 2:30 am, police said.

"The reckless driving behaviour of a small group of individuals presents a danger to themselves and to other road users and we continue to monitor, investigate, and hold offenders to account," a police spokesperson said.

"It's important that people with concerns about illegal street-racing behaviour contact police as soon as possible with as much detail as possible - including number plates and descriptions if it is safe to do so.

"If officers are not able to attend the area immediately, this detail is helpful for those follow-up enquiries."

Police are following lines of enquiry including reviewing CCTV and have not ruled out further arrests or action.