Take it easy on the big trip home

Police are urging people returning from their festive season break to take it easy on the road and plan the return journey to ensure they get home in one piece.

National Road Policing Manager Superintendent Carey Griffiths says Police want every journey to be a safe journey and delays need to be factored in.

"Patience will be  required by drivers as they return to the major urban centres, in particular through the upper Waikato approaches to Auckland and Northland," he said.

"With congestion being experienced recently on State Highway One from Otaki south to Wellington, motorists should also be prepared for some disruption across this route. Leaving early to avoid delays at key congestion locations will ease the journey for all."

He says stopping regularly and sharing the driving avoids fatigue and makes for a much safer trip. If you're travelling with children, pack some activities they can do to avoid raising the driver's stress levels.

"Police will continue to be out in force with the intention of moderating speed and careless driving, through high visibility and enforcement if needed."