Leave your high speed antics to the track or the game consol is the message from Waikato Police in the build up to a combined operation aimed at preventing road trauma in the north of the province tonight.
District road policing manager, Inspector Marcus Lynam, said road policing staff from the Waikato will be combining with their Counties Manukau colleagues to ensure there is no repeat of reckless behaviour on the roads following tonight's second round of the Night Speed Drag Wars at Meremere.
"After the first round held on 01 November small numbers of competitors and fans alike took to the road at speed with one of our patrols detecting eight vehicles travelling at speeds of more than 135km/h with one driver having his licence suspended after reaching a speed of 171km/h.
"Both the event organisers and Police believe this is unacceptable and are adopting a joint approach where the organisers of the alcohol free event will be broadcasting safety messages during the event and Police north and south of the venue will be providing a highly visible presence as a deterrent."
Mr Lynam said all parties agreed that it was a pity that a small minority of competitors and spectators attending a legal racing event were putting themselves and other motorists at risk by their post race behaviour.
"Those people who wish to travel at high speed have the opportunity to do so in a safe controlled manner at events such as tonight's. If they find this doesn't suit their needs there are a wealth of video games they can act out their high speed desires, one thing all those involved in tonight's activities agree on however, is the one place where it is not acceptable is on our roads.
"While we urge all drivers to be mindful of their driving, we are going to pay particular attention to spectators and competitors at tonight's event to ensure road rules are complied with and the safety of all road users respected."
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