File image. Photo: Supplied / NZTA
A 20-year-old man is due in court this week after allegedly "destroying" a section of road in Auckland's Waterview Tunnel.
In a statement, police said the man, and others in the vehicle with him, were being held to account for reckless driving behaviour.
Auckland motorways manager Senior Sergeant Scott Cunningham said the group of five were in a vehicle that went into the Waterview Tunnel around 1.30am on 5 October.
The driver was doing manoeuvres such as burnouts.
"The vehicle concerned was quickly identified by police and as a result, was impounded for sustained loss of traction.
"The driver has been summonsed for loss of traction and reckless driving and all five individuals received infringements."
Cunningham said the burnouts created a "blanket of smoke" within the tunnel - a visibility issue and a potential fire hazard.
"We are going to hold them responsible for what is clearly idiotic behaviour.
"These drivers are putting other road users' lives at risk whilst driving in such an irresponsible manner and using public roads as their own playground.
"Police is committed to keeping people safe on our roads and individuals who are responsible for burnouts are clearly not considering the safety of other road users."
Waka Kotahi said it was quickly alerted to the incident on CCTV and was able to give police information as it came to hand.
The Waterview Incident Response Crew also attended the incident to help emergency services.
"This was an excellent display of different agencies working together, which brought a serious and dangerous incident to a safe conclusion," Waka Kotahi said.
The 20 year old was due to appear in Auckland District Court on Thursday.
