Four arrested, bottles thrown at police in Taranaki driving crackdown

Vehicles were towed and impounded after they were used in illegal driving across Taranaki.

Police have arrested four people and issued dozens of infringement notices after a weekend crackdown on anti-social road-user events in Taranaki.

Taranaki area commander Inspector Mark Miller said dangerous and unlawful driving was reported on Plantation Rd and Main North Rd on both Friday and Saturday nights, including burnouts, erratic driving, speeding, and driving without lights.

On Friday night, a driver travelling at close to double the speed limit on the highway was stopped using road spikes near Inglewood. The driver attempted to flee on foot but was caught after being tracked across farmland by a police dog unit.

Miller said the incident also involved bottles being thrown at police.

“In addition to the horrific driving that could have caused a significant crash and harm to people in the area, there were bottles being thrown by an offender," he said.

“One bottle went through the back window of a patrol car, and thankfully, the officer was not injured.”

Four people in total were arrested across the weekend and are expected to appear in court next week on charges of assault with a weapon, reckless driving, breach of bail and drug charges.

Fifty-nine driving infringements were also issued and four vehicles, including a motorcycle were impounded after being marked unsafe.

Miller said the behaviour was disappointing and put other road users at risk.

"We're disappointed to see this behaviour in Taranaki. Driving like this puts everyone on the road in danger. We've seen the effects of dangerous driving and the very sad impact it can have on the community," he said.

"People deserve to feel safe, and everyone on the road is required to follow the same rules, no exceptions. If we see dangerous driving, we will take appropriate action."

Police are asking anyone who witnesses illegal or dangerous driving to report it so officers can follow up and hold offenders to account. Photos and video footage can help identify vehicles, drivers, and patterns in when and where dangerous driving occurs.

Anyone who sees dangerous driving is urged to call 111 immediately.