Going away this long Labour Weekend? Know before you go!

MEDIA RELEASE

21 October 2016 | SOUTHERN REGION

Going away this long Labour Weekend? Know before you go!

With traffic already building on key highways, the NZ Transport Agency encourages everyone heading off for a break to “know before you go” and check the Agency’s Labour Weekend Hotspots map. The Hotspots maps collate information from previous Labour Weekend journeys on the times where traffic is heaviest.

There are lots of local events on around the South Island which may affect state highways or create short detours. For example, Southland Transport’s Invercargill Truck Parade on Sunday after 1 pm, cutting across State Highway 1.

• For a fuller list see our earlier South Island media release.

Queenstown roads will be busy every day

As well as State Highway 1 between Picton and Invercargill, the highways in and around Queenstown will also be busy every day of the long weekend.

“Increased traffic volumes, tiredness and driving in unfamiliar environments can make driving over these long weekends not only more stressful but also more risky,” says the Transport Agency’s Journey Manager Lee Wright.

She reminded everyone to “Buckle up Buttercup” – the NZ Police’s key message given the rise in drivers and passengers not wearing their seat belts.

“When traffic is heavy and driving conditions are less than ideal, a safe speed might be lower than the posted limit. We’re urging everyone to be patient, relax, and enjoy the journey.”

NZ Transport Agency’s top tips for a safe Labour Weekend

• Take the time to check your vehicle is safe –tyres/ spare tyre, indicators, windshield wipers, lights.

• Allow plenty of time – make your journey part of the holiday.

• Rest stops are important for the driver and passengers.

• If possible, share the driving.

• Many drivers will be on unfamiliar roads, so please be patient as we are all in this situation at some stage.

• Buckle up Buttercup.

Link to the Labour Weekend holiday Hotspots for all of New Zealand here. (See image below)

• NZ Transport Agency's travel and traffic page here.

• Otago Southland Transport Agency Twitter updates and Canterbury West CoastTwitter updates

• Transport Agency Facebook South Island

• Call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS 0800 44 44 49

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