Planning ahead key to a safe long weekend on the roads

The NZ Transport Agency is urging drivers heading away for this long ANZAC weekend to plan their journey and drive with care.

Canterbury and West Coast roads will be busy this ANZAC weekend, says the Transport Agency’s Journey Manager Lee Wright.

"While traffic won’t be as heavy as it was during the Easter break, lots of people are expected to head out of Christchurch for the long weekend and motorists should be prepared for possible queues and delays on State Highway 1.

"If everyone plans their trip in advance, it will help ease stress and reduce the need to hurry, making for a safer and more enjoyable journey. Before heading off, take time to check your vehicle is safe – check tyres, indicators and lights."

Ms Wright urges everyone to be prepared for their journey. “Planning your journey before leaving home and being a considerate driver will help everyone to get to their destination safely so they can enjoy the long weekend. Don’t underestimate the importance of taking regular breaks from driving to avoid fatigue.”

The Transport Agency is stopping all maintenance work in the Canterbury and West Coast regions over the ANZAC weekend. Drivers are asked to observe any speed limit restrictions and watch their following distances through road works sites.

• A 50km/h speed restriction is in place 5km north of the Conway River through the Hundalee Hills where guard rail installation work is underway.
• A 50km/h speed restriction applies in both directions at the construction site for the Pegasus roundabout on SH1.
• ANZAC memorial services on Saturday morning will impact on SH67 in Westport,  SH1 Ashburton and SH6 Greymouth; there will be detours in place. ANZAC services will also see closures on many local roads.

For updates on state highway conditions freephone 0800 4 HIGHWAYS, visit the website www.highwayinfo.govt.nz(external link) or keep up-to-date on Facebook www.facebook.com/nztasouthisland(external link)