Southern Police are urging motorists travelling on Southland and Otago roads over the Easter break to take care while travelling.
Police are expecting the roads into and around Central Otago and Southland to be very busy over the holiday period as people travel to and from holiday destinations.
"Police will be out and about in force monitoring traffic flows to ensure all people get to where they are heading safely," said Southern Highway Patrol Senior Sergeant Steve Larking.
Due to the expected high traffic flows Senior Sergeant Larking is asking all motorists to be courteous and patient.
"It is important that drivers remain alert to what is occurring around them. If there is traffic starting to build up behind you there is no need to speed up, look for somewhere safe, indicate to the left and slow down to allow those behind to pass," he said.
The official holiday period starts 4pm on Thursday 21 April and ends at 6am on Tuesday 26 April. There will be a high Police presence on the roads around Otago and Southland during this period targeting speed, alcohol and poor driving practices including inconsiderate driving where the traffic flow is being impeded.
Last year's Easter road toll was the worst in 16 years with 10 people dying on New Zealand roads. This is simply unacceptable, Senior Sergeant Larking said.
Police will again target speed and alcohol as they often featured in crashes.
Police speed cameras will be deployed over the Southern road network.
Police will be enforcing a lower speeding tolerance. Drivers of vehicles travelling at more than 4km/hr over the posted speed limit could receive a speeding offence notice during the holiday period.
The Southern drink drive teams will be conducting drink driving checkpoints over Easter weekend in an effort to remove drink drivers from the roads.
"The message is to drink responsibly and look after the safety of those around you. If you go out for a drink, remember to plan how you can get home safely before you leave home. Think about organising a sober driver, getting a taxi, or asking a friend or family member to pick you up."
Senior Sergeant Larking wished everyone a safe and happy Easter break.
ENDS
Media inquiries to 03 471-4998