Police urge motorists to take it easy on the roads next week

Police are urging those heading away this festive season to take it easy on the road and plan your journey to ensure you get there in one piece.

Wellington Police District Road Policing Manager Inspector Peter Baird says Police want every journey to be a safe journey and this means enforcing the 5 kilometre speed tolerance and being highly visible on the roads.

"Patience is needed by drivers heading out of the Wellington district during this time, particularly as traffic will be congested around the Whenua Tapu/Pukerua Bay areas and again south of Waikanae, likewise when travellers return home."

Inspector Baird says it's important to remember that your holiday starts the moment you leave home, and your journey needs to be factored into your holiday, so be prepared for some disruption.

He says stopping regularly and sharing the driving avoids fatigue and makes for a much safer trip. If you're travelling with children, pack some activities they can do to avoid raising stress levels of the driver.

"Police will be out in force throughout this upcoming holiday period, with the intent to moderate speed and careless driving, through high visibility, and enforcement if needed."

The official holiday period begins at 4pm on Friday 24 December 2010 and ends at 6am on Wednesday 5 January 2011.

ENDS

© Scoop Media