Police have praised the good behaviour of tens of thousands of race goers following a high-visibility operation at this year’s Coates Hire Newcastle 500.
Operation Newcastle Supercars 2019 commenced last Thursday (21 November 2019), to ensure the safety and security of competitors, officials and spectators throughout the event.
General duties officers from Newcastle City Police District and across Northern Region, the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), Operations Support Groups (OSG), Dog Unit, PolAir, Licensing Police, Bicycle Unit, Youth Command (PCYC), Marine Area Command, Police Transport Command and Traffic & Highway Patrol Command were involved in the operation.
Of note, officers attached to Operation Newcastle Supercars 2019 arrested four males on Saturday 23 November about 3.30pm following an incident inside the precinct near Watt and Scott Streets. All four were charged for a range of offences including drink liquor in ticketed area, offensive behaviour, use offensive language and resist arrest. They were all conditionally bailed to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 12 December 2019.
Operation Newcastle Supercars 2019 Commander, Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell APM, said he was extremely pleased to see the majority of spectators behave appropriately and enjoy themselves at the event over the weekend.
“Dozens of officers were out in force across the event footprint, focusing on road safety, crowd behaviour, and minimising the impact of the event on the local community,” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
“We were quite happy with the behaviour of most people who attended the race, and it was great to see so many families return to the city this year in support of the Newcastle 500.
“Despite the forecast wet weather yesterday, spectators turned out in the thousands and enjoyed the Supercars finale while knowing their limits and respecting others around them.
“Police worked closely with Supercars, the City of Newcastle and Transport NSW before and during the event to create a safe and family-friendly atmosphere.
“There were a small number of race goers who engaged in anti-social behaviour and didn’t listen to the warnings. They tried to spoil the fun for others, but they were identified and quickly dealt with by officers, security and Supercars officials,” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
Road safety was another focus of the operation, with police conducting 913 random breath tests and issuing 108 traffic infringement notices for offences including speeding, using a mobile phone whilst driving and not wearing a seatbelt.
“We will continue our presence on the roads in and around Newcastle and the Hunter today to ensure everyone’s journey home is a safe one,” Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell said.
“Our Traffic and Highway Patrol officers have done an excellent job this weekend, reminding drivers of the dangers of speeding, using a mobile phone behind the wheel and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“With the festive season just around the corner, we are reminding the public to leave the racing to the professionals on the track.
“We do not want to see any more tragedies on our roads and those that choose to engage in risky driver behaviour will face the full force of the law,” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
Special event clearways and road closures will remain in place throughout the week. Motorists are urged to visit www.livetraffic.com for more information.
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