Transport committee supports police clampdown on ‘racers’
Transport committee supports police clampdown on ‘racers’
The multi-agency regional transport
committee has thrown its weight behind police moves to crack
down on motorists using highways for racing, burnouts and
other dangerous activities at sites around the region.
The committee – which includes a number of the region’s mayors and transport sector stakeholders – was briefed on recent problems today by the Waikato police acting road policing manager Dana McDonald.
He outlined a range of measures police were taking to crack down on illegal activity and warned “it’s only a matter of time before someone gets injured or killed” because of such activity.
Mr McDonald promised police would keep working hard to combat the problems. “To stop this illegal activity and to keep road users safe, we’re going to keep going out there again and again and again.”
The committee’s chair Hugh Vercoe, of Waikato Regional Council, said members were very concerned to hear about the ongoing problems outlined by Mr McDonald.
“We passed a motion supporting police efforts to crack down on activity which can put participants and the general public at serious risk.
“We need communities to give these people the message that their behavior is unacceptable.”
Mr Vercoe said the committee would continue to monitor the situation closely and stay in close touch with police efforts to combat the problems being caused.
“Racers need to hear the message loud and clear that the wider community will not tolerate the risks illegal activity presents to life and limb, and to the ability of the public to go about their normal business safely and peacefully.”
ends