Police plea for road safety as Easter break ends

Motorists should heed last minute road safety messages as Easter winds up with the road toll already at eight, police said today.

"People travelling home from their Easter break should drive as though their lives depend on it -- because they do," acting road policing manager Inspector John Kelly told NZPA today.

"Most of our fatalities this weekend have involved excessive speed, which says everything."

Mr Kelly appealed to drivers to be patient with other vehicles towing boats, caravans and trailers.

"Just because they aren't going as fast as others may want to travel, it's no reason to act dangerously while overtaking," he said.

"We're also asking slow vehicles to move to the left where possible and to let others through."

The road toll for the year stood at 116 -- one higher than at the same time last year. Last Easter's road toll was four.

The period officially ends at 6am tomorrow.

- NZPA