PORT Macquarie and Hastings motor racing fans are being urged to drive safely this weekend on their way to the World Rally Championship event on the Coffs coast.
Police will be out in force in and around Coffs Harbour for the 10th leg of the FIA World Rally Championship from today until Sunday.
Operation Hanna, a high-visibility policing strategy, will be launched to ensure the safety and security of the tens of thousands of fans expected in the region for the event.
Coffs/Clarence Local Area Commander Mark Holahan said this should be an enjoyable event for everyone, including competitors, spectators and enthusiasts.
“Police are working with Rally Australia, private security, local government and other agencies to make sure the 2013 event is safe and secure for the tens of thousands of people, including many families, who will be in attendance,” Superintendent Holahan said.
“This isn’t about us being the fun police. We want everyone to have a good time but not at the expense of other people’s safety.
“We will be maintaining a highly visible presence in Coffs Harbour and surrounding towns and anyone caught causing trouble or breaking the law will be dealt with accordingly,” Supt Holahan said.
Increased traffic is expected on the region’s roads in the lead-up to, during and after the rally and Superintendent Holahan warned motorists to behave and drive to the conditions.
“Leave the rally driving to the professionals on the track. That sort of driving has no place on public roads,” he said.
“We will have additional highway patrol cars out and about before, during and after the event and we will come down hard on those law-breaking motorists who put not only themselves but other innocent road users at risk.
“There will be changes to traffic conditions due to road closures, and motorists should plan their trip in advance and expect delays.”
