Patience, watching your speed and staying on the correct side of the road are keys to a safe Easter on the roads.
Inspector Bruce Dunstan, acting Wellington Police District Commander, says traffic is expected to be heavy on the main highways at the start and end of the Easter break.
We’re urging people to keep their cool, pick travel times and keep an eye on their speed,” he says. “Highway Patrols and other traffic units will be working over Easter with a focus on speed, driver behaviour and alcohol.”
The Easter holiday period starts at 4pm on Thursday, 12 April and finishes at 6am on Tuesday, 17 April. Last Easter six people died in crashes around the country, 26 were seriously hurt and 108 treated for minor injuries.
Mr Dunstan says although none of the fatal crashes happened in the Wellington District, people can’t afford to be complacent.
"Failing to keep left, crossing the centre line and dangerous overtaking are a problem,” he says. “Patrols will enforce any breaches.
"Our Highway Patrol recently booked 11 drivers for speeds between 152 and 181kmh. High speeds won’t be tolerated. If you go over the limit there’s a very good chance of being caught.”
Last week one person was arrested for dangerous driving in a Wellington Area Heed Your Speed operation, 177 infringement notices were issued and 22 traffic offence notices. A similar operation is under way this week in Lower Hutt.
Mr Dunstan says slow drivers can also be a problem and he encourages people to pull over where it’s safe to do so and let other traffic pass.
"Remember the road rules so we can all have a safe and enjoyable Easter,” he says.