24 Oct 2014

Changeable weather for long weekend

11:36 am on 24 October 2014

Metservice says the weather for the long weekend is expected to be changeable, and all regions can expect showers.

Forecaster Allister Gorman said the weather will be typically spring-like, with showers, wind, and fine spells.

He said temperatures may be cooler at the beginning of the weekend for this time of year, with a cold air flow crossing the country.

Police are also enforcing a 4km per hour speed tolerance this holiday weekend.

Last year, one person was killed on the roads over Labour weekend - the lowest since records began but 20 people received serious injuries.

Canterbury Road Policing Manager Inspector Al Stewart said every person stopped by the police this weekend would be breathtested.

Police will also be enforcing the wearing of seatbelts.

Mr Stewart said nearly a third of all fatalities in Canterbury could have been prevented if the driver or passenger had been wearing a seatbelt.

The Transport Agency said roads would be heavy with traffic due this weekend.

Agency Road Safety Director Ernst Zollner said over the past five years 32 people have been killed and nearly 600 injured in Labour Weekend road crashes.

Mr Zollner said drivers need to slow down, especially on narrow winding roads.

He said the agency would be working with police and local authorities to keep traffic moving.

Mr Zollner said drivers should check their vehicles and road conditions before they leave, and allow plenty of time for travel.

The official holiday period begins at 4pm today.