Please keep beachfronts clear for official response

Western Bay of Plenty Police are asking locals, visitors and the wider public to use common sense around travelling to the beaches of the Bay of Plenty this weekend.

The officer in charge of Police support to the Maritime NZ operation, Inspector Karl Wright-St Clair, says he understands the passion people feel about the area and their curiosity to see the situation for themselves, but he is asking people not to travel to the area unless they really need to.

"There are a large number of people involved both in an official capacity and in the volunteer groups, and they need to be able to move around the area quickly and freely.

"In addition, some of the groups may need to move heavy equipment in and around the beach areas and some roads may need to be closed for these activities.

"We have already had one example where public vehicles were blocking an accessway in Papamoa and officials were unable to get onto the beach and remove waste.

"In order to prevent major congestion and to allow these groups to move around, it's important that traffic is kept to a minimum and that there are spaces available for them. As a result, we are asking members of the public to avoid the area unless they really have to be there."

Inspector Wright-St Clair says Maritime NZ and Police are still asking people to report any sightings and locations of containers that may have washed ashore from the Rena.

"Please call 0800 OIL SPILL to report the location of any containers so that the appropriate services can respond.

"The contents of the containers remain the property of the original owners or their insurers and anyone caught interfering with containers will be dealt with by Police."

Inspector Wright-St Clair says a beach restriction remains in place and Police are asking people to respect that restriction so that officials and registered volunteers can progress with the operation.

He says Police will continue to have a visible presence around the beachfront areas to support the wider operation.

ENDS

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