Source: New Zealand Police
Police responding to anti-social road user events in Taranaki over the weekend have arrested four people, issued over 50 infringements and impounded three cars and a motorcycle for dangerous driving.
Inspector Mark Miller, Taranaki Area Commander, says the dangerous and unlawful driving was reported on Plantation Road and Main North Road on Friday and Saturday night.
“Police worked hard to stop and deter the burnouts, erratic driving, driving without lights at night and speeding.
“The Police Eagle helicopter was also deployed to Taranaki for the weekend to assist staff on the ground.”
On Friday night, a driver drove past Police at speed that was almost twice the limit on the highway and was successfully spiked near Inglewood.
The driver attempted to flee but was caught after being tracked by a Police dog unit on farmland.
“In addition to the horrific driving that could have caused a significant crash and harm to people in the area, there were bottles being thrown by an offender.
“One bottle went through the back window of a patrol car, and thankfully, the officer was not injured,” says Inspector Miller.
The four people were arrested for assault with a weapon, reckless driving, breach of bail and drug charges, likely to be in court next week.
An additional 59 driving infringements were issued, one car was incorrectly registered, and six cars were marked unsafe.
“We’re disappointed to see this behaviour in Taranaki. Driving like this puts everyone on the road in danger. We’ve seen the effects of dangerous driving and the very sad impact it can have on the community.
“People deserve to feel safe and everyone on the road is required to follow the same rules, no exceptions. If we see dangerous driving, we will take appropriate action,” says Inspector Miller.
Police always ask anyone that sees illegal or dangerous driving to make reports so officers can follow up and hold offenders to account.
Photos and video footage are helpful for officers to follow up on offenders that quickly speed off when driving unlawfully. These can also be used to identify the vehicles, hotspots and times dangerous driving occurs and helps to identify the drivers.
If you see any dangerous driving, call 111 immediately.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/26/arrested-and-impounded-dangerous-drivers-held-to-account-in-taranaki/