Northern Territory Police are happy to report a well behaved crowd at the Red Centre NATS over the weekend.
Between 3 and 6 September, police conducted traffic operations in support of the motoring event in Alice Springs. The event was held at multiple venues that included restricted access to public streets for modified vehicles.
More than 1000 random alcohol and drug tests were taken in and around Alice Springs during the operation. As a result, 15 notices to appear were issued and eight arrests made for traffic related offences, almost all of which were unrelated to the event.
Out of over 1000 participants, four vehicles were seized across the weekend for conducting burn-outs in public areas. Two of these vehicles were observed conducting burnouts within the Saturday street parade.
Superintendent Jody Nobbs said, "This event is a fantastic weekend for the Alice Springs community and police work closely with event organisers and emergency services to ensure the safety of everyone.
"There was a very small number of over-exuberant drivers, who felt the need to bend the rules as to what qualifies as safe driving, and all four of them will be picking their cars up this evening after being issued infringement notices.
"Police anticipated and prepared for an increase in local and visiting traffic, and as such there was a heightened road testing capability. I would like to remind all motorists that driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol puts our community at risk and you will appear in court for it.
"That aside, police were very impressed with the fact that very few people were detected speeding over the entire weekend and that the overwhelming majority of entrants and the general public were driving safely. NT Police will be looking forward to next year's event."
