Police say two patrol cars were struck by projectiles and part of State Highway 1 was blocked late last night as officers moved to shut down an anti-social road user event involving about 200 vehicles around the rural outskirts of Palmerston North and Horowhenua.

About 11.30pm, vehicles blocked part of SH1 near Rongotea Road. Police say officers broke up the gathering within an hour, processed drivers through checkpoints and kept highway disruption to a minimum. No officers were injured.

The activity was targeted under Operation Golf, a pre-planned effort to disrupt dangerous and anti-social driving before it escalated. Staff from Wellington, Whanganui and Manawatū were deployed to track and split up groups through the night.

“Those involved in this activity can expect ongoing, coordinated responses and a continued zero tolerance approach from Police,” Manawatū Area Commander Inspector Matenga Gray said. He added the group “spent their night dealing with Police rather than tearing up local roads”.

Initial enforcement results reported by Police include:

• 48 infringements issued
• 7 vehicles ordered off the road
• 7 vehicles impounded by Police
• 2 vehicles impounded by court bailiffs
• Multiple driver licence suspensions

Four people were arrested for offences including breach of bail, failing to stop and resisting Police. Bailiffs were also involved in seizing vehicles at the scene.

Police say they will continue to identify participants from photos and videos gathered during the operation. “Over the coming weeks, we’ll be speaking to others who were involved, and they can expect to answer for their actions,” Inspector Gray said.