Western Bay police pleased with driver behaviour over long weekend

There were no fatalities over the long weekend in the Western Bay of Plenty. Photo / File

Western Bay of Plenty police are pleased motorists in the area did not add to the country's long weekend road toll.

Five people died on the roads over Labour weekend. The fatal crashes were in Waikato, Whangārei, Auckland and Southland.

Senior Sergeant Mark Pakes said police were happy there were no fatal crashes on Western Bay roads over the weekend.

"This year the focus was on sharing the road, encouraging drivers to keep themselves and others safe by paying attention to their driving and their surroundings," he said.

"This advice applies at all times, not just long weekends."

However, Pakes said driver behaviour was "a little disappointing" on busy roads in Mount Maunganui, Pāpāmoa and Pukehina.

"While I'm sure everyone was in a hurry to get to the beach, safety should always remain paramount," he said.

"That means watching your following distances, being patient and avoiding any distractions, such as cellphones. Police want everyone to make it to their destination safely, always."