Southern drivers need to stay within 4km an hour above the permanent posted speed limit this Labour Weekend, as police will be out and about enforcing the lower speed tolerance level.
Reducing the speed tolerance is an important tool to help to keep people safe on the roads and keep the road toll down over public holiday periods,” says Southern District’s Acting Road Policing Manager, Inspector Steve Larking.
"Speed is the number one factor in road crashes. If we reduce our driving speed then we can have a big impact on the number of crashes, fatalities and people injured on our roads," he says.
While speed is a key focus for police over the weekend, they will also be keeping a close eye on general driving behaviour, ensuring people drive safely and within the law.
"We want each and every person who travels on Southland and Otago roads this weekend to do what good drivers do to get to their destinations safely - keep their speed down, drive to the conditions, watch your following distance behind the car in front, and don't mix alcohol with driving," Inspector Larking says.
"Traditionally in Southern we see heavy traffic flows out of Dunedin and Invercargill to popular holiday spots in Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes. Police will be highly visible over the weekend, particularly during peak travel times.”
Inspector Larking also encourages drivers to be patient and courteous on the roads and plan ahead.
"There will be higher levels of traffic so I urge you to plan your journey well, take your time and allow for adequate rest stops if you are travelling longer distances."
Last year at Labour Weekend two people were killed on Southern District roads and another five were seriously injured. Both fatal crashes involved speed and a vehicle crossing the centreline.
In the first nine months of this year, 16 people have died on Southern's roads, compared with 23 for the corresponding period last year.
For the same period of 2011, 144 people have suffered serious injuries as a result of road crashes in Southern, compared with 195 in 2010.
"While the figures are improving, every death or injury is one too many. A person involved in a serious crash often suffers a devastating and life changing impact on family and friends,” Inspector Larking says.
The official Labour Weekend Holiday period starts at 4pm on Friday 21 October and finishes at 6am on 25 October.
ENDS
Media inquiries to : Acting Southern District Road Policing Manager, Inspector Steve Larking on 03 471 4800.