On the road again - Easter traffic in the South

Three major events in Central Otago over Easter will see South Island roads busy in the lead up to and over Easter say Police. 

Senior Sergeant Neville Hyland of Canterbury Highway Patrol says that War Birds Over Wanaka, Race to the Sky at Cardrona, and a motor home convention at Cromwell will bring a lot of traffic through Canterbury, in addition to all the usual Easter traffic as Cantabrians get their last holiday before winter. 

'With Easter early this year we expect more people to take advantage of the last of daylight saving,' he says. 'With expected higher than usual traffic to these major events, all drivers must take extra care whatever they are driving and whatever their destination.' 

Senior Sergeant Hyland says that Canterbury and Central Otago roads tend to be long and straight leading to higher speeds and longer driving hours. 

'We'll be out in force ensuring traffic keeps moving, is safe, and drivers are considerate.'
Higher than usual traffic volumes are expected between Canterbury and Central Otago. Drivers are advised to watch their speed and their following distances. 

'Plan your trip so you are not driving to a tight deadline and give yourself time for breaks,' advises Senior Sergeant Hyland. 'Please have patience with other drivers.' 

Drivers who are towing, or driving a motor home, will usually be travelling slower than the main stream of traffic and are asked to watch for traffic building up behind them. 

'Slower drivers must watch behind and when they see a build up, are asked to pull over safely at the first available opportunity and let traffic through. This will reduce potential frustration and risk taking by drivers trying to overtake slower vehicles.' 

Seat belt wearing is also a target this Easter and if there is a seat belt fitted, it must be worn. In motor homes, passengers should first choose the seat which has a seat belt. 

The Fire Service will also be taking up prominent positions on some of the main routes through the region to highlight potential dangers. Assistant Regional Fire Commander Paul Henderson says 'the job of extricating people trapped in vehicles falls on the Fire Service and this can be quite a traumatic experience for all concerned. Our wish therefore is for us to have a crash free Easter and hence we will be working closely with the Police over this busy period in an effort to promote safe driving'.