Fans are being urged to plan their trip and travel safely as the countdown begins to this year’s World Rally Championships on the state’s Coffs Coas, NSW Police sayt
A high-visibility policing operation will be in place around the Coffs Harbour area for the Australasian leg of the FIA World Rally Championship, Kennards Hire Rally Australia, from Thursday 16 to Sunday 19 November 2017.
Operation Longridge, a high-visibility policing strategy, will be launched to ensure the ongoing security and safety of all those attending and assisting with the event.
General duties officers from Coffs/Clarence Local Area Command and across Northern Region, specialist officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and licensing police, will focus on road safety as well as anti-social and criminal behaviour.
Coffs/Clarence Local Area Commander, Superintendent Mark Holahan, urged motorists making their way to the event to plan their trip ahead of time and take regular breaks during their journey.
"There is no excuse for drivers speeding, drink-driving and driving while tired. We will be targeting these motorists who are not only putting themselves, but other road users at risk," Supt Holahan said.
"Both marked and unmarked police will be patrolling all major roads and back streets in the lead up to, during and following the event and we won’t tolerate any motorists driving like they’re in the race – leave rallying to the professionals.
"Police will target poor driver behaviour and dangerous driving antics, and we will be out in force to make the roads safe.
"With large crowds expected in the area there will be changes to traffic conditions due to road closures. We remind motorists plan their trip and allow extra time to arrive at their destination and to find parking at spectator locations."
For all special event traffic information, including road closures, special event clearways and live traffic reports, visit: www.livetraffic.com.
"Our priority during the four-day event is maintaining the safety and security of competitors, spectators and the wider community," Supt Holahan said.
"Police have been working closely with event organisers, private security, local government and other agencies to ensure Rally Australia 2017 is safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.
"We will be maintaining a high-visibility presence in the local area and surrounding towns throughout the event and anyone caught doing the wrong thing will be dealt with accordingly.
"This annual event has been a great success as the local community has really embraced the spirit of the competition and I look forward to continuing that legacy during Rally Australia 2017," Supt Holahan said.
Further information about the event, including spectator access and special events, can be found on the official website: http://www.rallyaustralia.com.au/
