Police warn Instagram-worthy picture of Taranaki Maunga not worth the risk

Police are warning tourists and would-be photographers that snapping an Instagram-worthy picture of Taranaki Maunga on a rural road near New Plymouth isn't worth the risk of losing your life.

Senior Sergeant Matt Prendergast said motorists have reported almost hitting people who have stopped on Kent Road - some were even laying down on the road - to get photos of Taranaki Maunga.

A quick search on the popular social media site Instagram reveals dozens of pictures of people posing on the road - which had a 100 km/h speed limit - with the impressive vista of the mountain looming in the background.

Senior Sergeant Prendergast said the area was marked and sign posted "no stopping", and in parts drivers have limited visibility due to corners and humps in the road.

"Concerningly, people are ignoring the signs and have been seeing lying on the road and stopping traffic to take photos of the mountain.

"We've had more than one report of people nearly being hit, and multiple near misses being reported.

"People are not only endangering themselves, but all road users."

Senior Sergeant Prendergast said Police had patrols around Kent Road and officers would take action to move people on.

"We can't always be there to enforce the law, so we are appealing to people to use their common sense and obey the signs.

"It is not worth risking your life to update your social media account."

A post on the Manawatu, Taranaki, Whanganui Police Facebook page about the phenomenon attracted hundreds of comments and shares.

Arron Hall had experienced the problem first hand.

"I've nearly cleaned up a few photographers there."

Imber Hawsley had witnessed risky behaviour too at nearby Dudley Road.

"I saw a guy driving on the wrong side of the road to get a pic to avoid power lines in it."

Another comment-maker, who wished to remain anonymous, reckoned drivers should factor the photographers in.

"Just slow down. On a great day you know they are going to be there. You can just try to be kind and patient. With the exception of the person lying down because that was just silly, most people are looking out for cars. Make that area a 70km/h zone?"

Others didn't buy that approach, pointing out drivers didn't need to slow down - people needed to get off the road.

While some thought the New Plymouth District Council should embrace the situation and build a carpark and viewing platform so would-be photographers could capture the same or similar image safely.

NPDC Manager Delivery Sustainability and Infrastructure Jessica Stokes said it had no such plans.

"We don't have any plans to create a parking space alongside Kent Road. Providing parking would make it easier for people to stand on the road for photos, which is the opposite of what we want."

Stokes said the behaviour of some of the people taking pictures was hard to fathom.

"It should be common sense to not stand in the middle of a rural road for photos, especially one below the brow of a hill - people are putting not only themselves in danger but also the drivers of cars that come over that hill."

Council had taken some steps to improve safety, she said.

"We've got yellow road-side markings and no-stopping signs to make it clear that this is a dangerous spot.

"Also, for their own safety, drivers should approach this hill with extreme care so that they can stop in time if someone is standing on the road."

Police said any behaviour that could result in a threat to life should be reported to Police via 111 immediately. Non-emergency reports can be made via 105.police.govt.nz.