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George Empson / Supplied
Tourists faced long lines on State Highway 8 on Saturday, following a fatal accident near Lake Tekapo.
Police are urging motorists to behave safely on the roads as wild weather and long lines of traffic are expected as the long weekend draws to a close on Monday.
The Labor Weekend toll reached four on Saturday. One person died on the roads during Labor weekend 2019.
A motorcyclist was also taken to the hospital in critical condition after a serious accident in North Hawke’s Bay on Sunday.
Bad weather will hit the South Island late on Sunday or Monday morning, making driving conditions dangerous.
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“Too many people have already been killed or seriously injured on the roads this weekend,” said Acting Superintendent Gini Welch, national manager of road surveillance.
“We expect a significant amount of traffic across the country tomorrow, and we know it can be stressful when there are so many vehicles on the road, especially when you’re in a rush to get to your destination.”
Bernadette Courtney / Things
On Friday afternoon, traffic was heavy on State Highway 1 near Peka Peka, on Wellington’s Kāpiti coast. Authorities urge motorists to plan their return trip in advance.
“However, we all have a role to play in keeping our roads safe, and we call on all drivers to do their part to ensure that everyone gets home safely.”
Motorists faced long lines in major cities on Friday evening and crashes caused delays on Saturday.
Welch urged motorists to watch their speed and following distances, pay attention to conditions and take a break if they feel tired.
The Waka Kotahi NZ Transportation Agency also urges drivers to plan ahead, be patient on the road, and accept some delays on the journey home.
NZTA / Supplied
On Saturday, traffic was heavy at Auckland’s south and southwest motorway junction, but Waka Kotahi urges drivers to be patient.
“The roads have been very busy because people take advantage of the first long weekend since June, and we know that the traffic returning to the main centers will be very heavy tomorrow,” said Greg Lazarro, general manager of safety, health and environment by Waka Kotahi.
“Congestion and some delays will be unavoidable at peak times, so we ask everyone to allow enough time for a safe ride home.”
Lazzaro encouraged people to use Waka Kotahi’s online vacation travel map to plan their trips home and their real-time travel planner.
Road hazard shown in fatalities
So far this year, there have been four deaths on the road over the work weekend.
The first was a motorcyclist, following an accident on State Highway 2 in Timberlea, Upper Hutt around 5 p.m. Friday.
Police were investigating the circumstances that led to the accident.
A second person died around 2 a.m. Saturday after an accident near Gisborne.
The early morning incident occurred on Whatatutu Rd in Te Karaka.
The third death came after a two-car accident on State Highway 8 near Tekapo around 9 a.m. Saturday.
Three other people were also airlifted to hospital with minor injuries and the road was blocked for some time.
On Sunday, a motorcyclist suffered serious injuries in the small settlement of Putorino in North Hawke’s Bay.
The accident occurred around 10:30 am on State Highway 2, in the agricultural settlement north of Napier.
