Police are calling for information and witnesses to an incident in Launceston overnight in which oil was deliberately poured on to the road in the area of York Street and Bathurst Street.
The act caused a traffic and environmental hazard, with a single-vehicle traffic accident attributed to the slippery surface and roads closed while clean-up crews worked to clear the area.
Police estimate up to 80 litres of used car oil was poured on Bathurst Street, at the intersection with York Street, about 11pm on Saturday.
Police units attended promptly to close the road and officers dispersed a nearby crowd of about 100 people and 30 vehicles.
No one has been arrested in connection with the oil however, two people were arrested for public order-related incidents in the area at the time.
Investigations are continuing today and police will be following up with businesses during the week to obtain footage from cameras in the area.
Acting Inspector Jareth Anderson said the incident was a reckless act which posed a real risk to public safety.
He urged anyone with information, or video or dashcam footage of Saturday night's incident to contact police on 131 444 or report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or anonymously to crimestopperstas.com.au
"It is simply a pointless and reckless act of environmental pollution and a serious safety hazard for vehicles and pedestrians," Acting Inspector Anderson said.
"This incident caused a massive oil hazard for the length of Bathurst Street between York and Brisbane streets as vehicles drove through it or as pedestrians crossed the road.
"One vehicle skidded off the road and into a sign and it was just fortunate that there were no injuries.
"Police were forced to shut down Bathurst Street for two hours on a busy Saturday night.
"Road safety and public safety is a priority for Tasmania Police and this incident is a thoughtless and reckless act that could have resulted in serious injury to motorists and pedestrians.
"What is also disappointing is that this incident diverted considerable police resources away from performing our primary role.
"Police are urging anyone with information about the incident, and the people responsible, to come forward. We're also asking that anyone who may have video footage, or dashcam footage relating to this matter, to contact police."
