Christchurch central city is no place for rubber-necking

NZ Police staff are appealing to people to stay out of Christchurch Central City unless travel is absolutely essential.

Casual "rubber-neckers" and non-resident sightseers are freying the nerves of already distressed residents in the area. It is vital that people, other than inner city residents, do not walk, drive or cycle into the central City area unless it is essential to do so.

Minor incidents involving sightseers have flared up, and these incidents drain valuable Police resources away from the critical rescue operation.

In general, NZ Police are happy with the uptake of its messages to the public, which are being fed through the local media. While Police appreciate that it is the weekend, and that people may be curious to come into the area, they urge the public to respect the fact that the Central City is disaster zone.

Please do not make our job any more difficult, or the lives of local residents any more stressful. The Central City is no place for rubber-necking.

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