Live: Work Weekend Traffic Increases In Auckland As Tourists Escape Early

by RNZ and NZ Herald

Traffic is already getting heavy heading north from Auckland between Puhoi and Warkworth as tourists escape for the long weekend.

There are also many cars on State Highway 1 heading south around Bombay Hills.

In the South Island, the Christchurch Transportation Operations Center said that no known issues were affecting travel.

“We expect Christmas traffic to start picking up north and south of Christchurch starting at 2pm. SH1 is running freely at the moment.”

Police are urging motorists to be patient on what are expected to be congested highways during Labor Day weekend.

Inspector Peter McKennie says that keeping your speed low is critical to safety and that many more New Zealanders will be traveling because they haven’t been able to travel abroad this winter.

He says it is also the first long weekend of spring and, for many, the first weekend from alert level 2 or 3.

“There will be a lot of people on the roads. We want everyone to slow down, make sure they fasten their seat belts and travel safely. It is important to be safe on the roads and stay alert throughout the trip this weekend. “.

The Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has tipped the traffic north from Auckland between Puhoi and Wellsford to be especially heavy from 3pm to 7pm and again tomorrow from 11am to 2pm.

It also tipped southbound traffic through Papakura to be heavy from 11.30am to 7.30pm today and again on Saturdays and Sundays from 11.30am to 1pm.

Traffic from north Wellington along the kāpiti coast is expected to be busy all weekend.

NZTA is warning motorists that heavy traffic is expected around Otaki from 2 pm to 7 pm today.

Heavy northbound traffic is also expected in the area on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays.

McKennie says that motorists, especially motorcyclists, also need to make sure their vehicle is in safe condition before exiting.

“We have seen an increase in the number of motorcyclists suffering on the roads recently. A lot of seasonal motorcyclists grab their bikes in good weather. It is very important for them to check their bikes, make sure they are safe.”

McKennie says tire pressure is often overlooked, but it can cause motorcycles to “suffer when cornering if they’re not careful.”

McKennie says that driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs will continue to be a focus of attention, with proper Covid precautions at roadside stops.

“Obviously we have disinfection procedures in place to make sure the devices we use are safe and so that people can say their name and address on the devices. [without] risk of infection “.

Another accident prevention measure is “fatigue stops”, which are used in some areas to encourage drivers to take breaks.

The Hawke’s Bay Regional Council introduced the concept a decade ago, encouraging drivers to stop, take a break, and grab a free snack.

A fatigue stop was installed on State Highway 5 between Napier and Taupō today, four days after a truck-van collision on the highway claimed one life and injured 10 others.

Road Safe Hawke’s Bay manager Linda Anderson says the group sets up rest areas with tables and chairs in rural 100 km / h areas in partnership with law enforcement, where people can have a break and maybe a coffee or a snack.

“It’s about having a conversation with drivers about taking breaks during their trip.”

Some drivers stay up to an hour, he says.