Auckland Motorways - Police Urge Driver Patience:

Auckland Motorways Police are urging drivers to exercise patience, tolerance and restraint towards other road users throughout the duration of the Rugby World Cup.

Senior Sergeant Dave Ryan of Ellerslie Motorways Police says there will be a large number of road users who will be overseas visitors. They will be driving a range of vehicles in a dense traffic environment that is wholly unfamiliar to them.

“Police want to keep the motorways moving and it’s important that people get to where they are going and more important still that they get there safely,” he said.

“I urge all road users driving on the Auckland Metro motorways to be mindful of those who are driving in unfamiliar surroundings, and whose knowledge of the road networks in the Auckland CBD and suburbs is limited.”

“There’s a commonsense approach that can be adopted to avoid road crashes.”

“Practice the two second rule. Be mindful of the following distances when driving.
This will prevent nose to tail crashes from happening and avoid lengthy delays and blockages. The use of indicators is not only desirable but a requirement in law.”

“Motorways patrols are receiving increasing numbers of calls daily where there is an impact on the routine traffic flows. In peak traffic periods for every minute of delay there is a kilometre of traffic affected. A 10 min delay can impact upon traffic up to 10 kilometres back. The reasons and causes of such delays include:”

• Insecure loadings falling onto the motorways
• Breaking down on the motorway – insufficient petrol
• Motorway crashes

“Whenever such delays are experienced or observed, drivers should call *555 to notify Police,” Senior Sergeant Ryan said.

“Insecure loadings are an increasing hazard on Auckland Motorways. More than 40 tonnes of rubbish is being cleared annually by Motorways contractors. The Infringement fee for this offence is $600. Items falling off vehicles include:”

• Polystyrene
• Roofing Iron
• Ladders
• Mattresses
• Other home furnishings
• Security straps for heavy and large vehicles

Senior Sergeant Ryan says Police are experiencing an increasing number of motorists who illegally stop and park on the motorways. These drivers show disregard for their own safety and those of other drivers.

“The biggest danger for vehicles stopping on the motorway is the fact that vehicles are struck from the rear on a number of occasions and the danger for motorists is them entering back into a live lane where traffic is proceeding at the legal speed limit of 100 k/mph.”

“Motorists regularly stop in the right hand lane - against the crash barriers. This is a dangerous practise and should be avoided. The left hand safety shoulder is the safest position if it can be achieved.”

“If a mechanical fault arises or you run out of petrol, and that vehicle is deemed to be in a dangerous position vehicles will be towed away to place of safety at the earliest opportunity.”

“The laws surrounding Cell phone usage is still being ignored by many drivers.”

“Police continue to intercept those who are actively calling or texting. They are often surprised when stopped as they have been of the view that nobody can see them. The Penalty for cell phone usage is $80 fine and loss of 20 demerit points.”

“There are some new road markings on the Auckland motorways. As you are exiting a lane which is taking you off the motorway system you will observe a road marking indicating that the lane is coming to an end. This marking will now be wider and shorter than the previous lane mark.”

“If you find yourself in a lane that is exiting the motorway when you do not wish to do so, you are far safer to exit the motorway and re-enter on the on-ramp rather than risk changing lanes in a manner that could be dangerous.”

“Motorways are for cars not for pedestrians. Sadly a large number of pedestrians continue to walk on the motorways. The penalty for this offence is a $250 infringement.”

“Plan your route when accessing or travelling onto the motorways. Observe the 70 k/mph speed restrictions that exist in the vicinity of temporary barriers. These restrictions are in place for a purpose. There are 24/7 workers present on a project. Both the Newmarket Viaduct and Victoria Tunnel localities have a 70 k/mph restriction.”

“The next few weeks will generate increased traffic flows throughout Metropolitan Auckland and the wider northern region. It’s the responsibility of everyone to drive to the conditions. The safety of all road users is paramount.”

“Enjoy the festivities surrounding the Rugby World Cup. Police recommend that individuals take public transport wherever and whenever possible to limit the volume of traffic using the network of motorways,” Senior Sergeant Ryan said.

ENDS:

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