On the road

Motorists from the nor-west are urged to take care this Auckland Anniversary Weekend with traffic expected to be heavy on State Highway 1 from Puhoi to Wellsford.

Rodney District Council and Rodney police advise using the alternative State Highway 16 route to help reduce travel times.

"Drivers need to exercise patience, have regular breaks, plan journeys using alternative routes and avoid peak traffic times where possible. This, together with a little consideration, will ensure everyone's safety," says Rodney police acting area commander Phil Paratene.

Those towing trailers have a speed limit of 90kmh and they need to pull over if queues form behind them. Police have been working with road safety staff at the council on road safety initiatives.

Council road safety co-ordinator Jacqui Dawson says motorists need to allow plenty of time for their journeys.

"Frustrated, speeding motorists are very dangerous when the roads are so busy."

- © Fairfax NZ News