Hundreds of car enthusiasts descended on Christchurch this weekend, with police out in droves to make sure all the extra cars didn’t cause mayhem on the city’s streets.
The Chrome Expression session runs between February 28 and March 2 at the Euromarque Motorsport Park and purports to be the country’s “biggest and baddest horsepower festival”.
A strong police presence was felt across the Garden City on Friday night with officers monitoring impromptu car meets and conducting roadside checks.
One large gathering on Moorhouse Ave was broken up as police descended with lights and sirens, ensuring no illegal activity could take place.
Sergeant Ben Rutherford said officers were working around the clock to maintain order.
“We’re out in force, and it’s only early,” he said, as officers carried out breath tests and inspected vehicles in Hagley Park. Several cars failed inspections, with some deemed unroadworthy and impounded on the spot.
Rutherford said there was a difference between car enthusiasts and boy racers.
“We find the genuine car enthusiasts are law-abiding. They’ve got good cars, they’re warranted, registered, they’ve got certifications for any modifications, they know the laws they operate within them and generally quite receptive towards police.
“There are however some bad eggs that paint this group with a bad brush and a bad name, and we’ll be out in force tonight and tomorrow to make sure we catch any offending and holding those accountable.”
He said the event organiser had been “very receptive” and that while no issues were expected at the event itself, police knew from previous experience that a “small section” of attendees and other motorists engaged in unlawful activity.
“We want people to enjoy themselves, however not at the expense of others.”
One car enthusiast told 1News that people who do burnouts and “stupid stuff” ruin the community for others.
“It puts a bad reputation on us.”