Crowd congestion and traffic disruption are the key focus for police in planning for Monday’s Lord of the Rings premiere in Wellington.
"We expect to be busy with 50,000 to 100,000 people or more expected to watch the parade of stars through the central city and join the festivities along the parade route and in Courtenay Place and the Taranaki Street wharf," says Inspector Phil Gubb, Planning and Operations Manager for Wellington Area Police.
"Our main concern is ensuring that people don’t get crushed in their enthusiasm to watch the events and that traffic continues to flow on the detour routes.
"It’s a big day for Wellington and New Zealand and we want people to enjoy it in safety."
Inspector Gubb says there will be significant traffic disruption and urged motorists and pedestrians to be patient. Using public transport and leaving vehicles at home might help reduce stress levels, particularly during Monday afternoon and early evening.
A sizeable police team drawn from across the Wellington Police District including the Kapiti Coast, the Hutt Valley and the Wairarapa will supplement officers rostered for routine policing activities.
"We’ve factored security needs into our policing operation and have worked closely with New Line and the Wellington City Council," he says. "The event organisers and the council have expended considerable time and effort into planning for a successful premiere.
"There’s a really good feeling in the city and we hope it continues."
Inspector Gubb says there were some concerns last year about the number of people crowding onto verandahs for a better view. Police will be liaising closely with City Council building inspectors to ensure the verandahs don’t get too crowded.