Holidaymakers in Auckland and Wellington can expect the heaviest traffic before Christmas and again before New Year. Video / Alyse Wright, NZ Herald
Traffic is building this afternoon as Kiwis across the country finish their final day of work for the year and hit the road to holiday hotspots ahead of Christmas festivities.
Congestion has already started forming in Auckland as droves of holidaymakers escape the City of Sails, with highways expected to be busier than normal during rush hour.
On State Highway 1 in Auckland, commuters can expect an hour’s journey from the city to Bombay – twice as long as it would normally take. Heading north is also busy, with a trip from Manukau to Albany via SH1 taking more than an hour.
A crash around 5.40pm blocked the right and middle lanes of SH16 eastbound between Hobsonville Rd and Royal Rd, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said.
“Allow extra time for delays in the area to ease.”
SH16 NORTHWESTERN MWY - 5:40PM Due to a crash, the right and middle lanes of #SH16 eastbound between Hobsonville Rd & Royal Rd are blocked. Pass with care and expect delays. ^ND https://t.co/KrevrCLkNDpic.twitter.com/HYaXGLpa1l
— NZ Transport Agency - Auckland & Northland (@nztaaklnth) December 20, 2024
Earlier today, a multi-vehicle crash blocked two lanes on SH1 after the Takanini off-ramp affected northbound traffic, with only one lane open for an hour. The crash was cleared by 12.15pm, but warned commuters to allow extra time as northbound delays through the area slowly eased.
Meanwhile, a breakdown reported about 3pm is partially blocking the left southbound lane after Mountain Rd. “Pass with care and expect delays,” NZTA said.
SH1 SOUTHERN MWY - 3:00PM A breakdown is partially blocking the left lane southbound after Mountain Rd. Pass with care and expect delays. ^ND pic.twitter.com/7wgeMNEmO3
— NZ Transport Agency - Auckland & Northland (@nztaaklnth) December 20, 2024
Police have urged motorists to play their part in staying safe over the holidays after 21 people died on New Zealand’s roads during the Christmas to new year road toll period last year.
When traffic is forecast to start building
NZTA’s Journey Planner predicts traffic will start building on Auckland’s Southern Motorway heading south from before 8am on Saturday and Sunday and remain heavy for eight hours, easing off after 4pm.
It is expected to ease from Monday, although there would still be heavy patches several hours long each day in the lead-up to and including Christmas Day. Traffic heading south would markedly increase again two days before the new year period.
Congestion has already started forming in Auckland as Kiwis hit the road to festive holiday hotspots. Photo / Google Maps
For those heading north on Auckland’s Northern Motorway, traffic was tipped to be busy from about 9.30am to 6.30pm in the lead-up to Christmas Day.
For those heading out of the capital, traffic on SH1 at Ōtaki was projected to be heaviest on Friday, with congestion tipped for between 9.30am and 4pm.
Saturday and Sunday should ease earlier, with congestion expected to clear by 12.30pm.
The congestion is likely to increase again from Boxing Day, and then ramp up in the two days before the new year.
‘Expect to see police anytime and anywhere’
Director of road policing Superintendent Steve Greally said motorists should expect to see police anytime and anywhere these holidays and should play their part in keeping safe.
“Our stance on safety remains straightforward. Drivers need to be clear that if they are detected speeding or driving impaired by alcohol or drugs, they will be ticketed,” Greally said.
“The best way to avoid being ticketed is not to speed, not to drive drunk or under the influence of drugs. It’s that simple.
Greally also said road deaths and serious injuries over the holiday period are preventable. “We have seen over time that our enforcement action has proven to deter people from driving dangerously.”
This year’s road toll period begins at 4pm on Tuesday, December 24, and ends at 6am on Friday, January 3.
Tips for safe driving on your summer holiday
Be patient when driving this summer so everyone can relax and enjoy the holidays together.
Keep a safe following distance from vehicles in front so you can stop safely.
Drive to the conditions – whether it’s the weather, the road you’re on, the time of day or the volume of traffic on the roads.
Take regular breaks to stay alert.
Allow plenty of time. You’re on holiday, there’s no need to rush.
Vehicle safety
Your vehicle must be safe to drive before you set off on your summer holiday.
Check that the Warrant of Fitness or Certificate of Fitness is up-to-date on any vehicle you plan to drive, including rentals.
There are basic checks you can do yourself, including:
Tyres – minimum tread is 1.5mm but the more tread, the better the grip;
Lights – check that all lights work so your vehicle is visible in poor light;
Indicators – ensure all indicators work so people know which direction you are moving in;
Windscreen and wipers – check for wear and tear so you can see the road safely.
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