Location of incident: Christchurch

Incident Type: Operation Hornet Operation Hornet

Christchurch Police ran a high profile campaign targeting Boy Racers over the nights of 21 and 22 September 2007 to coincide with an increase in Boy Racer activity associated with a car show. The Operation was run in conjunction with vehicle testing officers from Land Transport New Zealand, and Ministry of Justice Collections staff.

Police staff involved included the Strategic Traffic Unit, Highway Patrol, Traffic Alcohol Group (Booze Bus), and General Duties officers. Canterbury Road Policing Manager, Inspector Derek Erasmus said 'the campaign was aimed at removing as many vehicles from the road as possible for unpaid fines or for being in a dangerous condition.

We were very successful in this with 36 cars being seized by Bailiffs for unpaid fines, and 30 cars written off the road because of their condition.'

Unpaid fines ranged from $100 to $30,000. Those who could pay the fines on the spot were given that option ($4,800 collected), while those who couldn't had their vehicles seized.

Police concentrated their enforcement on the four avenues around the central city, especially Bealey and Fitzgerald Avenues where business owners and residents have been subjected to high levels of vehicle noise. Inspector Erasmus said 'many staff commented on traffic being lighter than at previous event weekends.

This may have been due to publicity about Police activity and the enforcement tactics used' Enforcement results from the Operation were -

* 2 car impounded for sustained loss of traction (28 days)

* 5 arrests and impounds for Disqualified Driving

* 16 drink drivers

* 31 cars written off the road due to their condition

* 36 cars seized for unpaid fines

* 522 other prosecutions including 91 for speed, 129 for licence breaches and 49 for no seatbelt.

ENDS

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