Police will be highly visible on the roads over summer, with roadside drug testing starting to appear and enforcement focused on speed, impairment and seatbelts.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop urged people to plan their travel and not to drive if they’ve been drinking or using drugs. “Police will be visible anywhere, anytime,” he said, adding that officers would work to deter dangerous behaviour. Bishop said alcohol and drug impairment remains a significant factor in deaths and serious injuries, citing figures that around 30% of road deaths involve an impairing drug.

Bishop said he witnessed one of the first roadside drug tests last week and expects testing to roll out across the country. He encouraged drivers to check the weather, plan breaks, and ensure they’re fit to drive.

The Government also pointed to State Highway projects it says will improve holiday travel once completed, including Ōtaki to North of Levin, Takitimu North Link Stage 1, SH29 Tauriko West, and the Hawke’s Bay Expressway.

NZTA’s Holiday Journeys tool has been updated with predicted traffic flows based on previous years, which may help drivers avoid peak periods.

The official Christmas–New Year holiday road period runs from 4pm Tuesday 24 December to 6am Monday 5 January.