Heavy holiday traffic on state highways in the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel has begun with NZ Transport Agency reporting significant delays on State Highway 25 at the Kopu Bridge.

This comes marginally before the police’s official measure of the holiday period begins at 4pm today; and finishes at 6am on Tuesday, April 26.

Transport Minister Steven Joyce is hoping the trend of good driving so far this year will continue over Easter.

This is the Easter road toll period and Transport Minister Steven Joyce is calling for motorists to continue on with the good driving seen so far this year with a record low road toll for the first quarter.

“While this is a positive trend, it’s important people do not become complacent,” says Steven.

“All road users must keep safety at the front of their minds, especially over holiday weekends when there is a lot of extra traffic on the roads.

“Last year 12 people were killed on our roads over the Easter break – the highest since 1992.

“We do not want a repeat of last year – let’s stay focused this Easter; stay alert, drive to the conditions and don’t take risks.”

The government is working to improve New Zealand’s road safety through its 10 year road safety strategy: Safer Journeys.

“We will soon look to finally pass legislation that will help to improve the safety of younger drivers and reduce the impact of alcohol on our roads.

“This follows earlier legal changes to curb the dangerous behaviour of boyracers and prevent drivers being distracted by cellphone use.”

 Easter Road Toll Record Since 1980