Motorists warned of gridlock

Heavy traffic is expected to clog roads north of Auckland today as people return to the city after the three-day holiday weekend.

Traffic was expected to be particularly heavy on State Highway 1 north of Auckland, near Warkworth.

On Friday, the queue of slow-moving traffic was 7km long, as motorists made the great escape north.

Motorists were advised to get past traditional Auckland holiday congestion areas by using SH16 as an alternative route to Wellsford and further north, Sergeant Steve Perris at Orewa Police told NZPA.

"We're urging drivers to take care. Heavy traffic flow is predicted, so motorists should watch their speed and following distances.

"Bad weather and heavy rain is also predicted, so allow extra time for your journey," Mr Perris said.

Motorists would be kept up to date by electronic roadside messages, said New Zealand Transport Agency spokesman Ewart Barnsley.

Five people have died on the roads so far this weekend.

- NZPA