Leading Senior Constable Glen Ziino and Sergeant Pat McGavigan prepare for the event. 36620 Picture: Luke Plummer
By Bridget Brady
CASEY’S traffic police are gearing up to monitor the crowds at the upcoming MRA Cranbourne GP Run.
More than 25 officers will provide a visible presence and help control the thousands of people who are expected to line the streets of Cranbourne for the wave-off on 17 October as motorbike enthusiasts travel en-masse to the Phillip Island track for the Grand Prix.
Three police motorbikes will lead the journey to Phillip Island and a police car will follow behind.
Casey Traffic Management Unit (TMU) Sergeant Pat McGavigan said police requested that onlookers stayed behind the barriers during the wave-off on Saturday.
“We ask that people stay behind and don’t have arms and legs hanging over while the riders come past. Some riders are proficient, but not all are. We have not had any incidents and that’s the way we would like to keep it,” Sgt McGavigan said.
He said police would also monitor the traffic returning through Cranbourne on Sunday and asked people to keep completely off the road.
“We have noticed in previous years some sit right up near the white line on the side of the road. While it’s nice to get close it can only take a split second for a serious tragedy to occur.”
Childers, Bakewell and Stawell streets will all be closed between High and Codrington streets for activities until about lunchtime on Saturday.
Southbound traffic will be slowed due to the traffic modifications and those travelling east-west across the South Gippsland Highway may experience delays, Sgt McGavigan said.
He said the best option for parking for residents would be Centro Shopping Centre or the Cranbourne racecourse, where people could leave their cars and walk to the main streets.
Police reminded visitors to the City of Casey that drinking in public places was not accepted and police would respond to any anti-social behaviour.
“We have not had dramas. People come out in the mood that it’s meant to be and that is a happy, family environment. We’re looking forward to a great event.”
