MEDIA RELEASE

20 April 2016 | SOUTHERN REGION

Stay safe on Otago and Southland roads this ANZAC weekend

Drivers heading away for ANZAC weekend can minimise stress and increase everyone’s safety by planning ahead and driving with care, says the NZ Transport Agency.

Many South Island roads will be busy and ANZAC Day services on Monday, 25 April, will create the need for short-term detours in some places.

In Otago and Southland, roads should not be as busy as for Easter, based on previous years’ traffic volumes, says the Transport Agency’s Journey Manager Graeme Hall.

But he notes that drivers should be aware that many people will be on unfamiliar roads, “so please be patient.”

The Transport Agency encourages people to check tyres, indicators, wind-wipers and lights before they load up the car.

“Planning your journey and being a considerate driver will help everyone to get to their destination safely to enjoy the long weekend. Don’t underestimate the importance of taking regular breaks or sharing the driving where possible,” said Mr Hall.

The Transport Agency is stopping all maintenance work in Otago and Southland over the ANZAC weekend, as the summer work season comes to an end.

Drivers are asked to observe any speed limit restrictions in place and watch following distances through road works sites.

• Look up the traffic congestion HotSpots showing locations and times of peak congestion for Anzac Weekend here.
• Find an ANZAC Day service here.
• For the latest on highway conditions, go to www.highwayinfo.govt.nz, phone the Transport Agency’s 0800 4 HIGHWAYS info line or check the Facebook pages.(www.facebook.com/nztasouthisland)
• Southland /Otago Transport Agency Twitter page here @NZTAOS #ANZACTraffic

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