Please attribute the following to Senior Sergeant Matt Prendergast, Taranaki Road Policing:
Following up complaints of dangerous driving on Monday 19 January, Police have arrested one driver, seized and impounded two vehicles, and issued several infringement notices.
The complaints were made to Police around late morning and early afternoon, and shortly after, a large convoy of vehicles made their way through New Plymouth to Bell Block for a tangi.
At the time, the numbers of motorists were such that Police were unable to respond and take enforcement action safely.
Police have since reviewed video footage of the driving complaints and have now held the offending drivers to account.
Enquiries are still ongoing to identify other illegal activity involved during or around the tangi.
While the Police respect the right of people to grieve, it should not be in such a manner that causes disruption, annoyance and frustration to the public.
We are disappointed that this group choose to express themselves in this way with little consideration for other people.
Police always encourage safe driving behaviour: keep a safe speed and distance, and drive without impairment or distraction.
If you are witnessing dangerous driving behaviour, please pull over and call Police on 111.
You can also report non-emergencies or matters after the fact by calling Police on 105.
