Nail prankster will cause road injury or death, police warn

Someone will be killed or injured if those who caused chaos for thousands of motorists by strewing Wellington roads with nails are not caught soon, police say.

About 15 drivers had tyres punctured after Saturday night's Lions test when they were speared by Z-shaped nails near The Terrace tunnel and in the Oriental Bay-Evans Bay Parade area. Senior Sergeant Ian McKeown said the "idiotic" incidents had the potential to kill or injure innocent motorists.

Although no one was hurt this time, in one previous instance a person was injured when the car they were in hit the nails and swerved into a bus.

Several cars had more than one tyre punctured, making them impossible to steer.

The Terrace tunnel area was closed for some time as police tried to ensure the road was clear of the nails.

It was one of the busiest nights of the year as thousands of rugby fans tried to get home. Further reports came in of nails on roads in Oriental Bay.

The incidents brought to more than 100 the number of vehicles that have been damaged in similar pranks round the city since 2002. All the incidents happened at weekends, and no offender has been caught.

The Z nails, which lie with one end facing up, are normally used to hold down roofs.

It is believed they are being thrown from a moving car.

- NZPA