Roadworks suspended during the Christmas season

By RNZ

There is good news for people driving to vacation destinations this holiday season: non-essential road works will stop.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transportation Agency (NZTA) spokesman Greg Lazzaro said many works on state highways will be suspended over the Christmas and New Year period.

Drivers are cautioned to allow more time for trips, because a large increase in domestic tourism is likely to cause particularly heavy traffic on the roads this summer.

“There will be some delays, and we all need to factor that into our plans. If you get frustrated, stop, take a break.

“Trying to ‘make up for lost time’ by speeding and overtaking dangerously is a recipe for disaster, and puts everyone who uses the road at risk,” Lazzaro said.

NZTA will stop non-essential road works outside major hubs between December 23 and January 5 to help minimize delays.

The national manager of road surveillance, Gini Welch, said the risks increased with more cars on the road.

Drivers had to slow down, allow greater distances and rest when necessary, he said.

“Tired driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving,” Welch said.

“It’s not a race, you’re on vacation, so take your time and be courteous to other drivers.”

Since 2015, accidents on New Zealand’s roads have left an average of 11 dead and more than 400 injured over the Christmas and New Year holidays, Lazarro said.

“Deaths and serious injuries on our roads are not inevitable, and we must not accept that serious accidents are just another part of the vacation,” he said.

“Each of us has the power to make the right decisions, which will keep the roads safer for everyone.”

Before leaving home, drivers should make sure their vehicle has a physical fitness guarantee and check tire pressure, lights, gauges and windshield wipers.

– RNZ