Congestion has begun to build around New Zealand’s main centres as holidaymakers return home at the end of Labour Weekend.
In Auckland, traffic on State Highway 1 was slow southbound at Wellsford. Google Maps data showed traffic congestion between Waiwhiu and Te Hana.
NZTA said in a statement that road users could expect delays of between 30-40 minutes while travelling through the area.
NZTA said road users could expect delays of between 30-40 minutes while travelling north of Auckland. (Source: 1News)
“Road users are advised to plant their journey accordingly and allow extra time.”
To the south of the city, traffic was backed up for around 12km between Drury and Bombay.
In Wellington, a crash blocked the southbound lane on State Highway 2 at Upper Hutt around 3.15pm.
“Caution is advised along this route,” said an NZTA spokesperson.
Traffic into Christchurch from the north and the south was expected to be at its heaviest between 1pm and 5pm.
‘There will be congestion’ in main centres – NZTA
Police and the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) earlier released a statement urging motorists to “keep themselves and others safe” while driving this long weekend.
Six people died on New Zealand’s roads during the holiday period last year.
This year, the toll stood at zero fatalities at 4pm. The Labour weekend holiday road toll period ends at 6am on Tuesday.
NZTA director of land transport Brent Alderton said that with more traffic comes the need to take more care on the road.
“Holiday traffic means there will be congestion on highways in and out of the main urban centres on Friday and Monday. We’re asking everyone to make safe choices to protect themselves and others.”
He asked motorists to “be patient and drive at a safe speed”, especially around NZTA crews who have been renewing and rebuilding roads across the country.
Director of road policing Superintendent Steve Greally said staff will be visible patrolling roads with a focus on reducing harm.
“Our teams continue to work tirelessly throughout the country to make sure everyone remains safe on our roads every day and long weekends are no different.
Greally said there was “no room for complacency” and that police want motorists to take note wherever they are travelling.
“We all have a responsibility to drive and ride safely on our roads. Six lives were unfortunately lost on our roads over Labour Weekend last year and we are determined not see a repeat of this.”
Those who choose to drive dangerously, whether it’s driving without a seatbelt, or being impaired by drugs and alcohol, using a mobile phone and speeding can expected to be ticketed, Greally added.
