Police are pleased with crowd behaviour and the family-friendly atmosphere at this year’s Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000. Police launched Operation Lenton last Thursday (9 October 2014), to ensure the safety of competitors, officials and more than 200,000 spectators in attendance at Mount Panorama. More than 250 officers were involved in the four day operation; including general duties officers from Chifley Local Area Command and across Western Region, as well as the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), Operations Support Group (OSG), Dog Unit, Licensing, Bicycle Unit, Youth Command (PCYC), Police Transport Command and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command. Since Thursday, officers attached to Operation Lenton, arrested eight people, who were charged with a variety of offences, including drug supply and possession, and offensive conduct. Operation Lenton Commander, Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie, said in recent years, the race had returned to glory with families and car enthusiasts alike. “Police have been working closely with V8 Supercars and Bathurst Council to make the Bathurst 1000 memorable for the right reasons,” Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said. “It was only few years ago when bad spectator behaviour almost overshadowed the spectacle on the track, but all that has changed and we’re seeing more families camping on the mountain than ever before. “While the overwhelming majority of spectators enjoyed themselves within the law this weekend, there were a small group who couldn’t keep themselves out of trouble. “Thankfully, police and security were there to deal with those troublemakers, who were swiftly arrested and charged or sent packing from the mountain.” Two people were evicted from the race and issued banning notices for offensive behaviour or conduct. “In addition to ensuring a safe and secure environment on the mountain, we maintained a highly-visible presence in the city to minimise the impact of the event on the local community.” Road safety was another focus of the operation, with officers conducting more than 6700 random breath tests, and charging nine drivers with drink-driving. A further 86 drivers were caught driving unlicensed or in an unregistered vehicle, including a 24-year-old Lithgow man, who is disqualified from driving until 2017. He was allegedly caught behind the wheel twice over the weekend in two different cars, one of which was red label defected. The man was charged with two counts of unregistered/uninsured/not pay road tax and drive whilst disqualified. He is due to appear at Lithgow Local Court on Thursday 6 November 2014. Police also issued 384 Traffic Infringement Notices (TINs), including 234 for speeding offences. “Our Traffic and Highway Patrol Command are constantly reminding motorists of the dangers of speeding, drink or drug driving and distractions, yet we still saw some poor driver behaviour this weekend,” Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said. “By maintaining a highly-visible presence on our roads, we reduce the opportunity for drivers to exhibit bad driver behaviours, which will subsequently minimise road trauma.” Police are urging racegoers to be vigilant on the roads as they make their way home from Bathurst. “Our message about road safety still stands. Drive safely, allow plenty of time to get home and be patient if you are stuck in traffic,” Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said. “There are tens of thousands of cars heading out of the area today, so delays are expected on major routes across the region, particularly the Great Western Highway and Bells Line of Road.” Motorists are urged to access the latest traffic information before they leave by visiting livetraffic or contacting the Traffic Information Line on 132 701. “However, if you do get a good run, there will be plenty of Traffic and Highway Patrol officers out and about making sure you aren’t putting your life or anyone else’s in danger,” Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said.
Posted on: Sun, 12 Oct 2014 23:43:21 +0000
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