Police say that although most motorists’ behaviour on the Wellington network has been generally good despite a recent number of road works in the Kapiti area, some road users are not playing by the rules.
“Because of the road works, some motorists travelling near McKays Crossing south of Paraparaumu are taking a detour along Emerald Glenn Road in an attempt to get ahead of the traffic – but are instead putting themselves and other road users at risk with selfish and unsafe behaviour,” says Wellington District Road Policing Manager Inspector Mike Wright.
“In the space of an hour last weekend, seven motorists attempting to avoid the road works along the Raumati Straits had their driver licences suspended when they were caught by Police travelling in excess of 40km/h above the posted 50km/h speed limit on Emerald Glenn Road. The highest speed detected was more than 60km/h above the safe posted speed limit.”
Inspector Wright says while motorists are free to use alternative routes to avoid the road works, they still must respect the safe posted speed limit, or risk Police attention.
“Police staff will continue to monitor these alternate routes and will respond to any instances of poor or dangerous driver behaviour accordingly.
“Similar behaviour has also been reported on the Paekakariki Hill Road, and speed and safety enforcement along this route will also continue to be a focus for District Road Policing Officers on this road while the works are in place.”
ENDS
Media statement issued by Jillian Reid, Public Affairs, PNHQ