Don’t let holiday traffic belabour your long weekend

Labour Weekend is now upon us after a long winter and spring with no public holidays. With it comes holiday road trips and more traffic on the roads.

Mark Owen, Regional Manager Lower North Island / Top of the South, says with more traffic comes the need to take extra care when driving.

“Holidays are about creating happy memories, which is why we want everyone to think about the driving basics if they’re heading away this weekend.”

“Holiday traffic means there will be congestion on highways in and out of Wellington late Friday and Monday. If you’re in queued traffic, be patient. Our helpful Holiday Journey Planner can help you avoid peak travel times and save you some traffic jam stress,” Mr Owen says.

Holiday Journey Planner (external link)

Mr Owen says carrying out some basic checks before you drive can save you grief too.

“Check your tyre pressures, coolant and oil levels. Punctures, overheating, and engine troubles are not what you need on a road trip.”

“Also, check the weather too. If the forecast is bad, allow some extra time for your journey,” Mr Owen says.

But the most critical advice Mr Owen has is to drive safely.

“We may sound like a broken record when we tell people to be patient and not to speed, to keep left unless passing, to not drive when tired, and to always wear your seatbelt.”

“But we say it because it matters. Small mistakes can have devastating consequences. For you, your friends and family, and other drivers,” Mr Owen says.

Weather Warnings

The Metservice has issued weather alerts for the lower North and upper South Islands.

A Strong Wind Watch is in force for Wairarapa, Wellington, and the Marlborough Sounds from late today (Thursday) to early Friday morning, with severe northwest gales forecast for exposed areas.

Drivers travelling on State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill and the Wainui Saddle on State Highway 1 Transmission Gully must take extra care.

On top of the South Island, a Heavy Rain Warning has been issued for the Tasman District northwest of Motueka from late today (Thursday) to early Friday morning. This will affect State Highway 60 in Tākaka/Golden Bay.

Drivers should be prepared for slips, rockfalls, localised flooding and wet driving conditions. Please watch your speed and following distances, and drive to the conditions.

Road users are encouraged to check road and weather conditions before they travel.

Metservice warnings(external link)

Journey planner - Highway conditions(external link)

Tips for safe driving on your Labour Weekend holiday

Plan ahead. Use our Holiday Journey Planner to find out when the peak traffic times will be and time your travel to avoid them.

Labour day weekend holiday journeys(external link)

Drive to the conditions, allow plenty of time and take regular breaks to stay alert.

• Be patient when driving this summer so everyone can relax and enjoy the holidays together.
• Keep a safe following distance from vehicles in front so you can stop safely.
• Drive to the conditions - whether it's the weather, the road you're on, the time of day or the volume of traffic on the roads.
• Take regular breaks to stay alert.
• Allow plenty of time. You're on holiday, there is no need to rush. 
• For more information, check out our helpful holiday driving tips:
  Driving in the holidays(external link)

Vehicle safety

• Your vehicle must be safe to drive before you set off on your summer holiday.
• Check that the Warrant of Fitness or Certificate of Fitness is up-to-date on any vehicle you plan to drive, including rentals.
• There are basic checks you can do yourself, including:
  • Tyres – minimum tread is 1.5mm but the more tread, the better the grip.
  • Lights – check that all lights work so your vehicle is visible in poor light.
  • Indicators – ensure all indicators work so people know which direction you are moving.
  • Windscreen and wipers – check for wear and tear so you can see the road safely.
• For more information on self-checks, visit our Check your car web page:
  Check your car – safety basics(external link)