A major police operation has taken vehicles off the road and led to dozens of enforcement actions as large crowds descended on Christchurch for Electric Avenue and a popular Chrome Expression Session for car enthusiasts.

Canterbury police arrested drivers, impounded vehicles and issued more than 200 infringement notices over the weekend as part of Operation Chrome, aimed at detecting, deterring and disrupting anti social road user activity.

With tens of thousands attending events across the city, officers prepared for an influx of visitors and moved early to manage potential risks on the roads.

Sergeant Ben Rutherford said the Operation Chrome team included bailiffs and took a proactive approach.

“We know unroadworthy vehicles and risky behaviour often go hand in hand with potential disruption and harm,” he said. “By taking illegally modified vehicles and dangerous behaviour off the road early we reduced the chance of trouble.”

He said the significant number of people leaving Hagley Park after the music festival added to the road policing workload.

“With more than forty thousand people spilling onto the streets, we worked hard to keep the city safe.

“One example from Friday night was a guy who did a wheelie off a red light past a crowd of people.

“Stunts can go badly wrong with disastrous consequences, especially right in the middle of a crowd.

“That motorbike was taken off the road immediately.”

Over the weekend police monitored traffic across Christchurch and set up multiple checkpoints targeting unsafe vehicles, licence breaches and alcohol related offending.

On Saturday night more than 300 cars gathered in Northwood for a pre planned cruise organised by Chrome Event organisers.

“Despite slowing traffic flow the drivers were generally well behaved and it was great to see the vehicles on display,” Rutherford said.

The convoy travelled to Halswell with a brief stop in Ferrymead.

“The organisers were excellent. Their communication helped ensure everything stayed lawful and disruption was kept to a minimum.”

However, he said officers still had to intervene at times.

“As the weekend wore on, there were groups who needed reminding that dangerous vehicles and behaviour won’t be tolerated. We broke up gatherings, removed unsafe vehicles, issued infringements and intervened early.

“Police frequently see how tragedies can play out so we’re equipped and trained to manage safety risks, and we try to prevent something terrible happening.

“We don’t tolerate excessive noise, disruption, intimidation, street racing or unnecessary speed on our roads.

“It’s simple, we just want a fun and safe weekend for Christchurch visitors and residents.”

A provisional summary from the operation showed 12 vehicles were taken off the road, 6 drivers returned excess breath alcohol readings and 8 vehicles were green stickered as unsafe.

Police thanked members of the public who reported concerns and encouraged anyone with information about illegal or unsafe activity to make a report through the 105 service or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.