Key Takeaways
- The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has announced the expected busiest days and times on the roads during the holiday period
- Drivers should avoid taking to the roads in Auckland, particularly on State Highway 1 heading north between Puhoi and Wellsford, between Boxing Day and December 30
- Roads south of Auckland, such as SH1 southbound from Manukau to Bombay, will experience heavy traffic from today until Christmas Eve
- NZTA urges drivers to plan ahead, check their cars are safe, drive sober, and watch for signs of fatigue to ensure a safe and crash-free holiday period
Introduction to Holiday Traffic
The holiday period is upon us, and with it comes the inevitable increase in traffic on our roads. The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has released its predictions for the busiest days and times on the roads, helping drivers to plan their journeys and avoid the worst of the traffic. For most of the country, the roads between Christmas and New Year’s will experience some increases in traffic, but it shouldn’t be too bad. However, Auckland, the country’s largest centre, will likely experience periods of heavy traffic as people leave the city for their summer holidays.
Auckland Traffic Predictions
In Auckland, the busiest times on the roads are expected to be between Boxing Day and December 30, particularly on State Highway 1 heading north between Puhoi and Wellsford. During this time, traffic is expected to start getting busy at around 9am, reaching its peak at around 10am, and lasting until around 3:30pm. This is likely due to the large number of people leaving the city for their summer holidays, and drivers should be prepared for heavy traffic and potential delays. Additionally, heading south towards central Auckland, traffic will be heavy at times, with the worst expected after 4pm on Friday, January 2.
Traffic Predictions Outside of Auckland
Outside of Auckland, the busiest traffic days are expected to be on the afternoon of January 2, as people return home from their holidays. This is likely to be a busy time on the roads, and drivers should be prepared for heavy traffic and potential delays. However, the NZTA predicts that the roads will not be too bad for most of the holiday period, and with some planning and preparation, drivers can minimize their chances of getting stuck in traffic.
Staying Safe on the Roads
The NZTA is urging drivers to stay safe on the roads over the holiday period, and is encouraging people to plan ahead and take simple steps to ensure their safety. This includes checking that their car is safe before heading off, keeping speeds down, driving sober, watching for signs of fatigue, and sharing the driving on long trips. The NZTA also reminds drivers to always drive to the conditions, which can change quickly, and to check the weather forecast and real-time traffic updates before leaving home. By taking these simple steps, drivers can help to ensure a safe and crash-free holiday period.
Regional Traffic Predictions
In terms of regional traffic predictions, the NZTA has released detailed information on the expected busiest times and routes. For example, on State Highway 1 southbound from Manukau to Bombay, traffic will be heaviest from today until Christmas Eve, with the longest stretches of heavy traffic expected on Monday, December 22, and Tuesday, December 23. The worst traffic on these days is expected to start after 9am and end after 4pm. Heading north on this stretch of motorway towards the central city, traffic will be busy, but is not expected to be too heavy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the NZTA has released its predictions for the busiest days and times on the roads over the holiday period, helping drivers to plan their journeys and avoid the worst of the traffic. By taking simple steps to ensure their safety, such as checking their car is safe, driving sober, and watching for signs of fatigue, drivers can help to ensure a safe and crash-free holiday period. With some planning and preparation, drivers can minimize their chances of getting stuck in traffic and enjoy a relaxing and enjoyable holiday period.