Their behaviour and American and Volvo cars are loud. Maundy Thursday is never quiet for the residents of Strömstad in Sweden.

Increased drinking

In a combined effort by police in Norway and Sweden, this year’s traditional over the border trip saw 56 Norwegians arrested for drink-related offences yesterday.

"They come in their cars, blaring music as loudly as possible, and they get drunk. Then they drive to a parking lot, continue to play music, and drink,” Strömstad police’s Henrik Rörberg told the Swedish News Agency TT.

Despite the rainy weather and closed government alcohol shops, 29 were arrested for drunken driving – 11 more than last year, according to Halden Arbeiderblad.

“We’re getting reports of people hanging out of the window and throwing beer. Such inappropriate behaviour is unfortunate, but luckily there haven’t been any serious accidents,” operations leader Tommy Antonsen of the Østfold police told VG.

Successful

And police were prepared. NRK reports the force in Halden, on the Norwegian side of the border, apprehended 27 for drunkenness, urinating in public, and driving whilst under the influence of alcohol.

Trond Puck in Østfold police district tells NTB fines ranged from between 2,000 and 4,000 kroner.

Six motorists also lost their licence for driving at speeds of up to 153 kph on the E6 motorway between Sarpsborg and Halden.

But Rörberg says most were well-mannered, and police were satisfied with how the day proceeded.

“It’s really just about general noise and drunkenness,” he told Aftenposten.

Previous years have seen up to 20,000 Norwegians descend on the town just across the border with lower alcohol prices.