Wellington Police say traffic congestion was the only real issue for officers working on ceremonies associated with the Return of the Unknown Warrior in the capital today.
Superintendent Rob Pope, Wellington Police District Commander, said the traffic delays were expected and he thanked motorists for their patience and understanding.
"The ceremonies were a nationally significant event and Wellingtonians clearly respected that," he said. "The road closures, particularly in Buckle Street at the National War Memorial, did put pressure on alternative routes at key times but apart from that we had no problems and no arrests."
Superintendent Pope said it was difficult to estimate the size of the public watching the ceremonies, given the length of the 3km procession from St Paul’s Cathedral to the National War Memorial.
"Crowd numbers swelled in the Lambton Quay and Willis Street areas at lunchtime as city workers and shoppers gathered to pay their respects," he said. "It was also encouraging to see the number of young people joining veterans and other members of the public along the route and near the National War Memorial."
Buckle Street is the only road still closed. It will re-open at 6pm so peak hour traffic is going to be very slow in this area. Motorists are asked where possible to use alternative routes – such as the waterfront quays and Kent and Cambridge Terraces.
Ends