Stay safe on roads and in city Fieldays message from Waikato Police

Police encourage Fieldays' exhibitors to have fun but not at expense of others

With hundreds of visitors from around the country converging on Hamilton's Mystery Creek for the 45th annual National Fieldays, Waikato Police are urging people to have a good time but to keep safe.

Hamilton City Tactical Coordinator, Senior Sergeant Freda Grace, said after a hard day working at the Fieldays it was understandable that many exhibitors wanted to let their hair down but Police urged people to ensure their planning includes a safe way to get home or back to their accommodation.

"The key thing to remember is tomorrow is another busy day and you want to be at the top of your game, not recovering from the effects of over indulgence, or even worse- waking up in one of our cells.

"Our Tactical Safety Team staff have asked me to remind visitors that a liquor ban applies to the central City meaning it is an offence to consume or carry alcohol in the CBD other than when transporting unopened vessels to your accommodation or to a meal."

It is also unlawful to consume alcohol or have an open container in your vehicle in the CBD.

Ms Grace said last year many normally mature visitors appeared to let a little too much hang out and several exhibitors were embarrassed to find themselves arrested and processed after drinking too much which is something both Police and City hosts are keen to avoid a repeat of.

"By all means enjoy a few drinks but keep yourself safe, stay in your groups and look after one another and ensure everyone gets back to your accommodation in one piece.

"At the same time be mindful of keeping your possessions while at City motels and hotels secure. Fieldays is a fun, family friendly event benefiting the whole of the Waikato but with so many visitors the City it becomes a bit like a candle to moths, attracting a small number of undesirables."

Ms Grace said the most pressing problem for Police was ensuring everyone makes it safely from Mystery Creek back home to Hamilton or parts further on.

"The intersection of SH1 and Tamahere remains a pressure point and we're asking drivers travelling from the main entrance to Fieldays on Mystery Creek Rd to turn left at the intersection with Airport Rd and approach Hamilton from SH3.

"In addition to the two Fieldays related crashes yesterday there was another on SH29 and one on Tamahere Rd this morning which caused some congestion and Police are urging motorists not to do U-turns following a collision overnight that caused considerable delays."

Ms Grace said by showing patience on the roads and exercising common-sense while out enjoying Hamilton's hospitality area everyone should be well placed to enjoy day three of the National Fieldays tomorrow.

End