Passenger accused of aiding reckless driving

Police are taking the unusual step of charging the driver and passenger of a car chased by police through Hamilton early today.

The pursuit began shortly after midnight when the Nissan Skyline car was seen by a police patrol doing "donuts".

The driver sped off in heavy rain and a pursuit started, acting Sergeant Myles O'Donnell said.

"Given the conditions it was very lucky there were very low traffic volumes because the speed the driver was going could be fairly described as excessive," Mr O'Donnell said.

He said that "fortunately common sense prevailed" and the driver eventually pulled over on the northern side of Ngaruawahia.

The driver faced charges in relation to boy racer legislation, reckless driving and failing to stop, Mr O'Donnell said.

While being interviewed he revealed that he was from Auckland and had to rely on the local knowledge and navigation skills of his passenger, who was encouraging him to increase his speed to get away.

As a result the passenger had been charged with aiding reckless driving.

"It's not something someone is charged with very often," Mr O'Donnell said.

- NZPA