Petrolhead crowds well behaved, say police

Police say last night was quieter than the average Saturday in Hamilton, despite large crowds in town for the V8 Supercars. Photo / Jason Dorday

Large crowds in New Zealand's petrol-head capital of Hamilton overnight were largely well behaved, but an assault on an officer outside the CBD marred the evening for police.

Crowds in the central city swelled so much after the Hamilton 400 V8 Supercar races that police had to close roads.

However, operational commander Inspector Paul Carpenter said the crowds were positive and the vast majority of people were there to enjoy themselves.

"From 8.30pm to 4.30am there were 30 people arrested which is well down on the number normally expected on a Saturday evening," Mr Carpenter said.

He said there were two distinctive groups of people enjoying the festivities.

"As on Friday night, there were large numbers of race fans in town until about 11.30pm, at which time they began to fade and we noticed the return of the younger crowd, both groups seemed to intermingle quite well with little problems."

Mr Carpenter said restaurants and bars were so full after midnight that traffic management measures were enacted to prevent cars from endangering pedestrians who were spilling out onto roads.

While things were quiet in the city centre there was plenty of work for those policing the rest of the city, Mr Carpenter said.

He said one officer was recovering at home today after being set upon by a pair in a car being driven with one headlight out.

The car was pulled over on Old Farm Rd following a short pursuit and the male driver and passenger set upon the officer, Mr Carpenter said.

"Backup was quickly at the scene and the pair arrested while the officer suffered minor injuries."

In another incident, 19-year-old was processed for drink-driving after the car he was driving collided head-on with an ambulance on State Highway 3 near the Hamilton airport last night.

The ambulance was left on its side and two crew and an observer inside were left with minor injuries.

Police in the region breath-tested 2982 drivers, 13 of whom faced further action for excess breath alcohol.

"This is too many people behind the wheel who have been drinking and we are urging race fans to ensure they have a sober driver able to return them home to avoid tragedy," Mr Carpenter said.

- NZPA