A young Auckland man is facing charges after he allegedly drove through a stop sign and hit a police car, causing a pile-up that wrote off three vehicles in Gisborne.
Police said the youth drove through a stop sign at the intersection of Wharerata Rd and Awapuni Rd last night, hitting a police car which then hit another vehicle.
All three vehicles were written off but no one was injured.
The youth had been charged with refusing to give a blood specimen. Further charges were likely.
Police said speed and alcohol both appeared to be factors in the crash.
They warned New Year festival-goers on their way to Gisborne to expect heavy traffic and to drive sensibly.
The annual Rhythm and Vines festival starts tomorrow at Waiohika on the outskirts of Gisborne, while its sister festival BW began in Gisborne city yesterday.
Thousands of young people from around the country have been streaming into the city and police say traffic hold-ups are to be expected.
"These two festivals bring around 20,000 extra people into Tairawhiti and that means lots of bodies and lots of cars," Tairawhiti Area Commander Inspector Sam Aberahama said.
"There has been very heavy traffic on the highways over the last few days and we expect that to continue. So we ask that everyone drives sensibly - which means don't speed, be patient and if you feel tired, pull over and have a rest," Mr Aberahama said.
He said police were pleased with most of the behaviour of those attending BW Festival. Festival organisers had so far ejected 18 people for bad behaviour and numerous others were on final warnings.
"There will be over 7000 young people spread over a very large area and police will be keeping a close eye on the campsites and the concert areas," Mr Aberahama said.
"We have sent out very strong messages about our expectations around behaviour at BW this year. People have been warned that if they cause mayhem or trouble, they will be removed from the festival and not allowed back in."
NZME.
