As motorists look forward to heading out of Wellington for the Anzac Day long weekend, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is advising people to check the holiday journeys prediction tool for a safe and enjoyable journey.
Holiday journeys – Anzac weekend 2021(external link)
“With the school holidays in full swing, we’re expecting traffic to be busy on the roads in and out of Wellington this weekend as people make the most of the opportunity to head away for a few days,” Regional Transport Systems Manager Mark Owen says.
“We want everyone to get to their destinations safely, so we’re encouraging all motorists to plan ahead by using our holiday journeys prediction tool which shows the predicted traffic conditions for popular routes over Anzac weekend, based on travel patterns from previous years.”
The tool predicts that State Highway 1 heading out of Wellington will be busiest on Friday 23 April between 11.30am and 6pm, and on Saturday 24 April between 9.30am and 12.30pm.
As people make their way back into Wellington, traffic heading south is predicted to be busiest on State Highway 1 on Sunday 25 April between 1pm and 5pm, and on Monday 26 April between midday and 6.30pm.
For people heading north on State Highway 2 over the Remutaka Hill, traffic is predicted to be busiest on Friday from 2.30pm to 6.30pm. Southbound traffic on State Highway 2 is expected to be busiest on Monday 26 April between 2.30pm and 5pm.
“There will be some congestion and delays at peak times, but the most important thing is that everyone gets to where they’re going safely. Be patient, drive to the conditions and keep speeds down,” Mr Owen says.
“To avoid the worst of the delays, hit the road outside of predicted peak times. As things can change based on traffic incidents, weather or driver behaviour, it’s also a good idea to check our journey planner for traffic information and real-time updates on delays, roadworks and road closures.
Journey Planner – Wellington traffic(external link)
“We all have a part to play in making our roads safer for everyone. Trying to ‘make up lost time’ by speeding and unsafe overtaking puts everyone on the road at risk. Even when speed doesn’t cause the crash, it is most likely to determine whether someone is killed, injured, or walks away. For everyone’s safety, please slow down.”
Check your vehicle is safe to drive. Check your tyres, wipers, lights and indicators, and ensure you have a valid Warrant of Fitness before you leave.
Please be patient when driving this long weekend so everyone can relax and enjoy their holiday.
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.
Slow down. Even when speed doesn’t cause a crash, it is always a factor in the severity and can be the difference between a person being killed, seriously injured, or walking away from a crash.
Take regular breaks to stay alert.
Keep a safe following distance from vehicles in front so you can stop safely.
Allow plenty of time. You’re on holiday, no need to rush.
Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:
