Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
A group responsible for destroying a section of road through the Waterview Tunnel has been held to account for reckless driving behaviour.
Auckland Motorways Manager, Senior Sergeant Scott Cunningham says the group of five entered the tunnel around 1.30am on 5 October and were doing manoeuvres involving a sustained loss of traction.
“The vehicle concerned was quickly identified by Police and as a result, was impounded for sustained loss of traction.
“The driver has been summonsed for loss of traction and reckless driving and all five individuals received infringements.”
A range of resources and tools, including the Police Eagle helicopter and the work of the Joint Transport Operation Centre, were used to hold these offenders to account.
Senior Sergeant Cunningham says the driving behaviour created a blanket of smoke within the tunnel, which quickly became a visibility issue and potential fire hazard.
“We are going to hold them responsible for what is clearly idiotic behaviour.
“These drivers are putting other road users’ lives at risk whilst driving in such an irresponsible manner and using public roads as their own playground.
“Police is committed to keeping people safe on our roads and individuals who are responsible for burnouts are clearly not considering the safety of other road users.”
A 20-year-old man will appear in Auckland District Court on 26 October charged with operating a motor vehicle causing a sustained loss of traction.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency says that the Waterview Tunnel Joint Operation team was quickly alerted to the incident via CCTV and gave real time, up to date information directly to the Police.
The Waterview Incident Response Crew also attended with their vehicles to assist with protecting the emergency services in the live lanes.
“This was an excellent display of different agencies working together, which brought a serious and dangerous incident to a safe conclusion,” a spokesperson for Waka Kotahi says.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
