Call to slow down in rural towns

North Canterbury police have made a plea for drivers to take extra care in rural towns, after an operation this morning caught speeding drivers in Culverden.

Acting Senior Sergeant John Hamilton of the Canterbury Highway Patrol said with traffic volumes increasing on rural roads during the holidays, drivers need to slow down.

"Speed is a major factor in crashes in rural towns and we really need drivers to get the message - slow down and stay alive," he said.

North Canterbury police this morning targeted excessive vehicle speeds through Culverden as part of an ongoing operation during the holiday period.

Two drivers were found to be exceeding 100 kmph through the town's 50 kmph zone. Both drivers had their licences suspended for 28 days.

"One of these drivers was charged with driving at a dangerous speed - and faces the prospect of losing their licence for a minimum of six months.

"Other drivers who were stopped for speeding were travelling at well over 30 kmph faster than posted speed limit."

Senior Sergeant Hamilton said the majority of the offending drivers were locals from the area.

"At this busy time of year we are urging drivers to slow down and take extra care. At the higher speeds drivers have much less time to react to the unexpected and less chance of surviving any crash."

He reminded drivers that during the holiday period police will be enforcing a 5 kmph tolerance on vehicle speeds.

ENDS

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