'Absolute bedlam' on Wellington roads

The Christmas exodus of people leaving Wellington has created a state of ''absolute bedlam'' on roads leading out of the city.

Police say they have been inundated with calls from motorists complaining over shoddy and dangerous driving from motorists looking to beat the holiday rush and get where they are going a little faster than everybody else.

Police central communications inspector Ken Climo said staff had been flooded with reports of dangerous driving - people running red lights, making passing manoeuvres, and tailgating.

He urged people planning long trips around New Zealand to plan ahead and take their time.

''The worst thing is, people like you and I have to share the roads with these idiots,''  he told NZPA.

Though heavy volumes of traffic were on the roads, only two crashes had so far been reported.

''We're getting reports of a total lack of respect from some of these idiots on the roads today. The saving grace is probably the weather - it's pretty clear out there and driving conditions are good.''

Meanwhile an accident on State Highway 2 in the Anthenree Gorge, Western Bay of Plenty, has also caused significant traffic delays. Diversions have been removed butdelays can be expected in the area, police say.

The fine weather was expected to hold over most of the country, until at least Christmas Day, MetService forecaster Heath Gullery said.

''It's a pretty good picture, really,'' he said.

North of Wellington, State Highway 1 has re-opened after a two-car collision on the Kapiti Coast around 10.30am.

Northbound and southbound lanes were closed and traffic was backed up for several kilometres after the collision at the intersection of SH1 and Raumati Rd.

The highway was reopened at 11:30am. Fire, police and ambulance services were stood down and traffic was flowing freely.

Earlier, a Paraparaumu police spokeswoman said a female driver was cut out of her vehicle by fire officers.

She was suffering abdominal pain and had possible head and neck injuries, and was flown to Wellington Hospital by the Westpac rescue helicopter.

A male passenger walked from his vehicle with minor injuries and was being treated by ambulance staff at the scene.

- The Dominion Post and NZPA

	Ad Feedback   TRAFFIC CAMERAS
	Aotea Quay traffic camera, provided by CityLink. - Still image - Video
	Courtenay Place traffic camera, provided by CityLink. - Still image - Video
	Mt Victoria Tunnel traffic camera, provided by CityLink. - Still image - Video
	Terrace Tunnel (north) traffic camera, provided by CityLink. - Still image - Video
	Terrace Tunnel (south) traffic camera, provided by CityLink. - Still image - Video
	Looking south on State Highway 1 from the Johnsonville off-ramp. Camera provided by The NZ Transport Agency. - Still image
	Looking south on State Highway 1 from the top of Ngauranga Gorge. Camera provided by The NZ Transport Agency. - Still image
	Looking south on State Highway 1 from mid-way up Ngauranga Gorge. Camera provided by The NZ Transport Agency. - Still image
	Looking south on State Highway 1 near Paekakariki. Camera provided by The NZ Transport Agency. - Still image