Tauranga police crack down on rugby league supporters blocking intersections, waving flags

Tauranga police are clamping down on rugby league supporters who drive through the city hanging out of car windows with stereos blasting.

Tonga and Samoa face each other in the Rugby League World Cup Tournament in Sydney at 10pm tonight.

Inspector Phil Gillbanks said 200 vehicles with supporters in two convoys drove through Tauranga and Mt Maunganui on Saturday night.

"During the event, police received complaints from members of the public regarding driver behaviour - such as vehicles blocking intersections, excessive horn use, and loud stereos - and concerns about road safety, including unrestrained children.

"Several drivers were stopped and spoken to by police, and infringement notices were issued for offences including operating a vehicle with noisy equipment fitted, permitting or riding in a dangerous position on a vehicle and failing to wear a seatbelt" said Gillbanks.

While displaying flags and celebrating sporting and cultural achievements was an important expression of pride and identity, it must be done safely, he said.

Large flags extending from vehicle windows can obstruct visibility, distract other motorists, and increase the risk of crashes, particularly on higher-speed roads, he said.

"Police respect and support the rights of people to celebrate their culture, heritage, and sporting achievements. However, those celebrations must occur in a manner that respects the rights of others, complies with road rules, and does not compromise public safety or disrupt the peace of the community," said Gillbanks.

Following Saturday night's convoy activity, police conducted a targeted operation in Mt Maunganui, focusing on poor driving behaviour, excessive vehicle noise and drivers accelerating aggressively along Main Street. Further infringement notices were issued for offences relating to vehicle noise, driving behaviour and other traffic-related offences.

Gillbanks said police were reminding motorists that deliberately accelerating heavily, creating excessive exhaust or engine noise, or driving in a manner that causes unnecessary disturbance to the public is unacceptable because it impacts on residents, businesses, and other road users.

He said roading police staff would continue to monitor such gatherings, and anyone who offends could get an infringement notice, be prosecuted or face further police intervention. He said in one instance alone, anyone driving in a manner that caused annoyance could face a $600 fine.

Gillbanks said police thanked the vast majority of supporters who celebrated responsibly.