Police congratulate drivers on low road toll

Police congratulate drivers on low road toll

Police say the lowest Queen’s Birthday road toll in over 50 years is a direct result of New Zealand drivers at last taking control of their driving, their decision-making and their own speed.

"We know that reducing speed is an important part of reducing death and injury on the roads but we cannot be everywhere all the time. In the end, it is up to each driver to make wise decisions for themselves, and this weekend the vast majority of New Zealanders chose to do just that, said Superintendent Paula Rose, National Manager - Road Policing.

'We would like to congratulate everyone who took the time this weekend to think about their driving, think about their speed, think about their decision- making. They are the ones who made a difference this weekend."

Police introduced a 'no excuses' policy towards all drivers breaking the speed limit this weekend and vowed to take action against those caught driving more than 4 kilometres over the posted permanent speed limit. This was part of a wider operation which saw more police on the network, a focus on slow drivers, as well as speeding drivers and high levels of alcohol testing.

Any decsion about whether to extend this policy will not be made until Police have had time to evaluate the trial.

ENDS