Whether you’re making your annual pilgrimage to Mount Panorama or planning your first, police are urging motorists to leave the high-octane stuff to the likes of Jamie Whincup, Garth Tander and Craig Lowndes.
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A high-visibility operation for this year’s Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 has been launched to ensure race enthusiasts enjoy the event safely.
Operation Dover was launched on Thursday to ensure the safety and security of more than 200,000 people expected to descend on Mount Panorama, including competitors, officials and spectators.
General duties officers from Chifley Local Area Command and across Western Region will be assisted by specialist police from the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), Operations Support Group (OSG), Dog Unit, PolAir, Licensing Police, Bicycle Unit, Youth Command (PCYC), Police Transport Command and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command throughout the operation.
Operation Dover Commander, Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie, was joined by Bathurst mayor Graeme Hanger, and Supercars Australia Chief Operating Officer Shane Howard to officially launch the operation.
“Local officers and specialist police will be out in force across the event footprint, focusing on road safety and crowd behaviour, and minimising the impact of the event on the local community,” Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said.
“Thousands of people make the annual journey to be involved in the action and while the race has become more family-friendly in recent years, we will not tolerate any form of anti-social or criminal behaviour.
“We are working closely with event organisers and other agencies to ensure the event maintains this reputation.
“The message is simple – do not drink to excess and if you’re planning on driving please make sure you have a Plan B, like a designated driver.”