Police were confronted by about 80 bystanders while trying to intercept 100 “anti-social road users” in Hutt Valley.
Police had set up a checkpoint at Kmart Petone where drivers were forced to pass through before they met up again at Porirua where they another checkpoint was set up.
On Eastern Hutt Rd in Taita, however, Hutt Valley Area Commander Wade Jenning said about 80 bystanders “were blocking the road and throwing bottles” at police.
“Police formed lines with shields and helmets and forced the crowd to return to their vehicles, which were then directed through another checkpoint,” Jenning said.
“We know the public and, certainly, police won’t tolerate this dangerous behaviour, and participants can expect to be stopped and to face enforcement action.”
Police said 21 vehicles were ordered off the road and nearly 80 infringement notices were issued by the checkpoints.
One vehicle involved in the gathering later lost control on SH2, breaking through a metal barrier and onto the railway lines.
Neither of the occupants were hurt, police said.
