Christmas - New Year Road Policing

Police in the Central District are hoping that everyone has a very happy and safe holiday period over the next few weeks and that they please drive with care over this time.

The period officially starts at 4.00 pm on Friday 24 December 2010 and ends at 6.00 am on Wednesday 5 January 2011.

Additional Police patrols, including the Highway Patrol and Traffic Alcohol Group will be out in force over this period covering the major arterial highways and areas of risk within the District.

Police are aiming for a fatal-free holiday period and a reduction in crashes and injury.

“Our staff will again be highly visible over this period and the travelling public will see Police patrol vehicles out there who will be monitoring the traffic flows and are able to deal with those drivers who are offending,” says Acting Road Policing Manager Senior Sergeant Kris Burbery.

Between 24 December and 5 January the tolerance for exceeding the speed limit will be reduced to 5 km/h. Please remember the speed limit is that a limit, it is not a target and staff will be rigorously enforcing that tolerance.

Staff will be conducting mobile and stationary patrols and every driver stopped will be breath tested.

As well as monitoring and dealing with any speed and alcohol related offences staff will also be monitoring the behavior of drivers around intersections and in areas where motorists overtake.

"We will also have a focus on slow drivers who may be impeding the flow of traffic and causing other drivers to become impatient and perhaps take risks trying to pass them.

"All drivers and occupants of vehicles must ensure they wear their seatbelts and there will be a zero tolerance around those who choose not to wear seat belts. Drivers must ensure children are correctly restrained in vehicles.

"One of the biggest concerns during this time is driver fatigue. Drivers should ensure they plan their journeys well, allow time for possible delays and take frequent breaks for rest and refreshments," Senior Sergeant Burbery says.

Another factor is the potential for changes in the weather and road conditions. Police advise all drivers to please drive to the conditions and adjust the manner of driving to any changes during their trip.

"Road safety is everyone's responsibility and we want every journey to be a safe journey."

These are three of the key things Police will be doing for you:

• More Police on the roads over the holidays and reduce the speed tolerance to 5km.
• Increase our alcohol enforcement with more booze buses and check points.
• Keep you informed about the roads through the media and NZTA messages

These are five key things we need you to do:

• Plan ahead
• Make sure you do all the necessary safety checks on your vehicle before you leave home
• Drive to the conditions - take care with your speed
• If you’re going to drink, plan a safe way home
• Expect the unexpected

The key road safety messages are:

• Allow plenty of time to get to your destination - we would rather you get there early than not at all
• Keep to the speed limits
• Don't drink and drive
• Don't drive tired - take plenty of breaks
• Buckle up
• Don't use mobile phones while driving.

ENDS

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