Police have made arrests and seized vehicles after dangerous driving from the Westbrook area travelling towards Ngongotahā on Wednesday.

“Rotorua Police were aware of a funeral procession taking place where a number of cars and motorcycles were doing burnouts in Westbrook at around 11am,” Relieving Rotorua Area Commander Inspector Phil Gillbanks said.

“Police staff attended and recorded footage of driving offending to assist in further enquiries, before intercepting the vehicles on State Highway 5 near Fairy Springs as they travelled north.”

Gillbanks said three people were taken into custody and have been charged with failing to stop, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and allowing passengers to ride in an unsafe riding position.

“Their vehicles were also impounded.”

Ten infringement notices were issued in relation to drivers permitting passengers to ride in an unsafe riding position, passengers riding in an unsafe position, failing to comply with traffic signals, and driving without a driver’s licence.

A passenger in a vehicle, was summonsed to court for historic shoplifting offences.

“While Rotorua Police respect the right to grieve, we will not accept or tolerate dangerous or antisocial behaviour on our roads,” Gillbanks said.

Those arrested and summonsed are due to appear in court at a later date.

“If you see antisocial road user behaviour on our roads, please contact Police on 111 immediately with as much information as you can safely gather.

“You can also report information through 105 in non-emergencies or after the fact, and anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111,” Gillbanks said.