Northland District Headquarters
88 Cameron Street, Whangärei
Wednesday April 16, 2014

With wet weather forecast this Easter holiday weekend Northland Police are asking motorists to take extra care on the roads.

Northland Road Policing Manager Inspector Murray Hodson says after a long hot dry period in Northland the roads are likely to be very slippery when it rains.

"Motorists need to make sure they are patient, watch their following distances and drive to the conditions. Remember the speed limit is not the target."

From 4pm tomorrow (April 17) until 6am on Monday April 28 Police will be enforcing the reduced 4km/h speed threshold to cover the extended Easter/Anzac holiday break.

Mr Hodson says Northland Police will be focusing on the 'fatal five' which are the known five causes of fatal crashes.
These are speed, alcohol, restraints, graduated driver licence breaches, and intersection offences.

"There will be a large number of police staff on the roads and we will also have ten road policing staff, including a motorcycle officer, from Auckland supporting our enforcement this Easter."

Mr Hodson says there will be speed camera vans stationed across the state highway network and police will be holding checkpoints throughout the region.
Every driver stopped will be breath tested.

"Last Easter there were no fatal crashes in Northland and we want to keep it that way this Easter. We don't want to have to visit a family and give them bad news."

Mr Hodson says the school holidays combined with the Easter and Anzac break will mean a lot of traffic on the roads and people will need to plan their journey well and make sure they take plenty of rest stops.

The Northland Road Safety Association will be holding a 'Driver Reviver Stop' tomorrow afternoon (April 17) on the north bound side of state highway one near Uretiti.
Mr Hodson urges motorists to take advantage of this stop, so they can have some refreshments and a break before continuing their journey.

Motorists are also encouraged to call *555 to report any poor driver behaviour.
Police will respond to these calls, so remember all motorists can be the "eyes and ears" for police.

"Police will be on the roads to make sure that everyone has a safe journey, so they can reach their destination and enjoy their time in Northland."

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