The Central District Highway patrol are urging all motorists travelling through the district Central Police District to please drive with care over the Labour weekend holiday period.
Highway Patrol staff will be out in force over this period covering the major arterial highways and areas of risk within the District.
“Highway Patrol staff will also be supported over this period by several additional patrol units from some of the metropolitan areas within the District” says Senior Sergeant Kris Burbery, Officer in Charge of the Central District Highway Patrol.
“This will see a greater number of patrol cars at times over this weekend covering the highways”
"Police will be highly visible over this period and I want the travelling public to feel confident that they will see Police patrol vehicles out there who will be monitoring the traffic flows and are able to deal with those drivers who are offending”
"Every driver stopped will be breath tested" said Mr Burbery.
Police staff will be targeting speed and alcohol related offences but staff will also be monitoring the behaviour of drivers around passing lanes and intersections.
Police also remind drivers that they can make use of the *555 system if they want to report some dangerous or inconsiderate driving as that call will go directly to the Police Communications Centre.
Police staff will be operating a zero tolerance around restraint use in vehicles and the message is simple - all drivers and occupants of vehicles must ensure they wear their seatbelts and other vehicle restraints.
“Driver fatigue continues to be a factor during this holiday period and drivers should ensure they allow time for possible delays and take frequent breaks for rest and refreshments”
To assist with this there will be a driver reviver site set up on SH1 at Ohakea on the Monday, which offers drivers the chance to stop and take a break.
Given the recent run of bad weather drivers are reminded of the potential for changes in driving and road conditions and it is a timely to remind to drivers to please drive to the conditions and adjust the manner of driving to any changes during their trip.
“What we would like is for people to enjoy their time off and their journey on the roads within the Central Police District. It’s all about being sensible and remembering that road safety is everyone’s responsibility”
Senior Sergeant Kris Burbery: 06 329 3975