Caution needed as wet weather set to hit for Queen's Birthday Weekend

Police in the Wellington District are urging motorists heading away for the Queen's Birthday weekend to allow plenty of time for their journey and to drive to the conditions as wet and cold weather is forecast for the long weekend.

Wellington District Road Policing Manager Inspector Donna Laban says there will be a lot of people travelling in and out of the cities over the Queen's Birthday weekend.

"We will be highly visible over the course of the weekend. At the peak times on Friday evening and when people return on Monday, people should expect some congestion and potential delays".

"With the forecast wet weather, Police are asking drivers to allow plenty of time for their journey and to be patient and considerate to other drivers. The risk of crash in these conditions is higher and we are encouraging people to drive to the conditions, increase following distances and to pay extra attention".

For the duration of the official holiday period, the speed limit tolerance is 4km for all permanent posted speed limits. Police will take action where vehicle speeds are checked at more than 4km above the posted speed limit.

Queen's Birthday weekend 2013 officially starts at 4.00pm Friday 31 May and ends 6.00am Tuesday 4th June.

Inspector Laban says Police want everyone to enjoy the break and make it home safe.

ENDS

• Motorists can get information about potential delays before they hit the state highways by visiting onthemove.govt.nz. The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) website provides free, customisable email alerts designed to inform motorists of notable road and driving conditions, incidents and roadworks taking place on New Zealand’s state highways so they can plan their journey.

For media inquiries contact Nick Bohm, Wellington District Communications Manager, on 027 559 2235.