Drivers heed safety advice

Motorists appear to have taken on board the pre-Christmas messages about driving safely and giving themselves ample time for holiday journeys.

That conclusion comes from Central Districts police units manning checkpoints on State Highway One at Mangaweka and Sanson last Friday night.

Police teams were joined by representatives from ACC, Horizons Regional Council road safety co-ordinators, Plunket, NZ Transport Agency, and St John helping reinforce the message police are serious about road safety these holidays.

At the checkpoints - including one at Midhirst on State Highway Three north of Stratford - drivers were breath-tested, vehicle fitness was examined, restraints were checked, and child safety seats examined.

Inspector Dave White, Central District road policing manager, said while 2885 vehicles were stopped only a small number of infringement notices were issued and no drivers were processed for drink-driving.

He said all drivers were given a reminder that the speed tolerance had been reduced to 4km/h until January 7.

"It was great to see that the vast majority of motorists were driving well, had left home with plenty of time to complete their journey with rest stops, and were abiding by the speed limit."