Get a sober driver for New Year's Eve, urge police

National Road Policing Manager, Superintendent Paula Rose, is asking people to completely avoid drinking if they're driving tonight. Photo / Thinkstock

Police are urging people to stay off the roads if they're drinking tonight.

There have been five deaths on the roads so far this holiday period and the National Road Policing Manager, Superintendent Paula Rose, says New Year's Eve is the busiest night of the year for police with most officers on duty.

She says alcohol and speed are the major issues and advises people to completely avoid drinking if they're driving, and for their mates to make sure they look after their sober driver.

Police in Wanaka are gearing up for a big night, with large crowds expected to be celebrating on the lake's waterfront.

Senior Sergeant, Alan Grindell, says more than 30 extra staff are being brought in from other stations to deal with the influx of visitors, but they're not expecting any major problems.

He says Wanaka was once seen as a New Year's Eve trouble spot, but liquor bans have helped create a more family atmosphere.

- NEWSTALK ZB