Racegoers are urged to be responsible, stay safe and have fun on the eve of 2017 World Rally Championship event on the state’s Coffs Coast. , NSW Police say
Engines will start tomorrow (Friday 17 November 2017), for the Australasian leg of the FIA World Rally Championship, Kennards Hire Rally Australia, and run until Sunday 19 November 2017.
Operation Longridge, a high-visibility police operation, will commence today (Thursday 16 November 2017), to ensure the security and safety of competitors, spectators and the wider community around Coffs Harbour.
General duties officers from Coffs/Clarence Local Area Command and across Northern Region, and 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 is encouraging racegoers to have fun, but not at the expense of anyone else.
"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." Supt Holahan said.
"Operation Longridge will target road safety, anti-social and criminal behaviour, as tens of thousands of people are expected to attend the event.
"Police will put community safety first and will be out in force around the local area and surrounding towns throughout the event and anyone caught doing the wrong thing will be dealt with accordingly.
"Our priority during the four-day event is maintaining the safety and security of competitors, spectators and the wider community," Supt Holahan said.
Traffic and Highway Patrol will be on the road and targeting speeding, drink driving and dangerous driving behaviours.
"Police will not tolerate poor driver behaviour and dangerous driving antics, and we will be out in force to make the roads safe." Supt Holahan said.
"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.
"Both marked and unmarked police will be patrolling all major roads and back streets in the lead up to, during and following the event," Supt Holahan said.
For all special event traffic information, including road closures, special event clearways and live traffic reports, visit: www.livetraffic.com.
