“There were five or six minor crash incidents and again distraction was a prime cause, as well as not driving to the conditions.”
Fortunately there were no injuries, he said.
“It's always busy traffic-wise in the CBD at this time of year and we appeal to motorists to exercise caution and patience.
“Like the PM says: “Just be kind.”
■ IT has been “business as usual” for St John Ambulance staff and volunteers looking after the thousands of festival-goers at Rhythm and Vines, and so far they have had no undue concerns relating to alcohol or drug use.
St John has its usual big team of around 30 paramedics, first-aiders and other support personnel on site at the festival.
“There have not been a lot of drug or alcohol issues we've been made aware of so far,” said St John territory manager Shane Clapperton.
“We're quite happy with things in that respect.
“So far it has been business as usual for us and we're happy with the behaviour we have been encountering with festival-goers.”
Mr Clapperton said there were a couple of people transported to Gisborne Hospital for further treatment on Monday night, and seven people were taken to hospital last night.
“There were a number of medical-related cases among them, unrelated to either drugs or alcohol, and there were some other patients who needed ongoing care in the emergency department at the hospital.
“A concern at the moment is the cooler weather and rain.
“That may pose additional challenges for us like falls in the wet conditions, and hypothermia.”
