Tragic start to holidays

The road toll already stands at six, signalling a tragic start to the holidays, says Superintendent Paula Rose, National Manager Road Policing.

Last year at the same time the road toll was 2 and the holiday period ended with 12 people losing their lives on New Zealand Roads.

Alcohol and speed continue to feature in crashes throughout New Zealand and the message to all road users is to take care, Superintendent Rose says.

Police are out in force and will be breath testing drivers as well as rigorously enforcing the lowered speed tolerance. Where Police detect drivers travelling more than 4 km/h over the speed limit, they will take action.

Travel on New Zealand roads is likely to be reasonably heavy with a mixture of people returning from Christmas celebrations and holiday makers travelling to their destination.

"Take care, make all your choices count these holidays, you only have one life so protect it at all costs' .