The NZ Transport Agency reminds drivers to give themselves extra time to reach their destination and to drive with patience if heading north from Auckland this Labour Weekend.
The NZ Transport Agency reminds drivers to give themselves extra time to reach their destination and to drive with patience if heading north from Auckland this Labour Weekend.
Nose-to-tail and loss of control on bends were the most common types of crashes on Auckland and Northland roads last Labour Weekend.
“Planning and patience are small measures, but together they can provide more time for people to have a relaxing and safer journey,” said the NZTA’s Regional Director for Auckland and Northland, Wayne McDonald.
Roads will be busy as people take advantage of the first holiday break after winter. Queues are expected to build up from Friday afternoon (23 October), particularly on SH1 heading into Warkworth. The NZTA says drivers should be aware of ongoing road works on SH1 near Puhoi, through Warkworth, and further north at the Mangawhai turn-off. There will be no work taking place during the weekend, but speed restrictions will remain in place to ensure safety on these stretches of highway.
SH16 between Auckland and Wellsford will be a less busy alternative route that bypasses traditional holiday congestion spots on SH1.
The NZTA reminds motorists that they now have five days to pay their tolls after using the Northern Gateway Toll Road, and by paying online or by phone they can avoid unnecessary stopping and queuing at the manual payment kiosks which are expected to be busy.
Tolls can be paid before or after using the road at www.tollroad.govt.nz(external link) or by freephone 0800 40 20 20 and the contact centre is open every day over the long weekend from 8am to 6pm.
The NZTA will work with police to actively manage traffic on SH16 and SH1 to help people avoid hold-ups.
For more information please contact:
Ewart Barnsley
Auckland Media Manager
NZ Transport Agency
T 64 9 368 2142
M 027 213 7616
E ewart.barnsley@nzta.govt.nz
