The annual Christmas exodus is under way as holidaymakers escape cities in droves, with waves of congestion expected at highway chokepoints on routes out of our main centres. 

Motorists heading south out of Auckland are expected to face high traffic volumes over the coming four days as people pack up and quit the city ahead of December 25. 

The New Zealand Transport Agency is expecting the heaviest traffic to start at lunchtime today, with the lengthiest congestion expected this weekend. 

Traffic is expected to start building on Auckland’s Southern Motorway heading south from before 8am on Saturday and Sunday and remain heavy for eight hours, easing off after 4pm. 

It is expected to ease from Monday, although there would still be heavy patches across several hours each day in the lead-up to and including Christmas Day. Traffic heading south would markedly increase again two days before the New Year. 

Holidaymakers have begun their mass exodus from the cities, with waves of congestion expected at known chokepoints on the main routes out of our towns. Photo / Brett Phibbs 

For those heading north on Auckland’s Northern Motorway, traffic was tipped to be free-flowing today and tomorrow before picking up for four days from Saturday. The worst traffic was expected from 10am to 4pm across the weekend. 

Roads were expected to clear on Christmas Day before building again from Boxing Day and the two days before New Year. 

For those heading out of the capital, traffic on State Highway 1 at Ōtaki was projected to be heaviest on Friday, with congestion tipped for between 9.30am and 4pm. 

Saturday and Sunday should ease earlier, with congestion expected to clear by 12.30pm. 

The congestion should increase again from Boxing Day, and then ramp up in the two days before New Year. 

The days you will want to avoid being on the roads lest you have to sit in standstill traffic going south are today, tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday. 

‘Expect to see police anytime and anywhere’ 

Superintendent Steve Greally, the director of road policing, says motorists should expect to see police anytime and anywhere and should play their part in keeping safe these holidays. 

Greally said: “Our stance on safety remains straightforward. Drivers need to be clear that if they are detected speeding or driving impaired by alcohol or drugs, they will be ticketed. 

“The best way to avoid being ticketed is not to speed, not to drive drunk or under the influence of drugs. It’s that simple.” 

Superintendent Steve Greally, the director of road policing, says motorists should expect to see police anytime and anywhere and should play their part in keeping safe these holidays. Photo / Mark Mitchell 

Twenty-one people died over the holiday road toll period last year. 

“Road deaths and serious injuries are preventable. We have seen over time that our enforcement action has proven to deter people from driving dangerously,” Greally said. 

This year’s road toll period begins 4pm Tuesday, Christmas Eve, and ends 6am Friday, January 3. 

Tips for safe driving on your summer holiday 

• Drive to the conditions, allow plenty of time and take regular breaks to stay alert. 
• Be patient when driving this summer so everyone can relax and enjoy the holidays together. 
• Keep a safe following distance from vehicles in front so you can stop safely. 
• Drive to the conditions – whether it’s the weather, the road you’re on, the time of day or the volume of traffic on the roads. 
• Take regular breaks to stay alert. 
• Allow plenty of time. You’re on holiday, no need to rush. 

Vehicle safety 

• Your vehicle must be safe to drive before you set off on your summer holiday. 
• Check that the Warrant of Fitness or Certificate of Fitness is up-to-date on any vehicle you plan to drive, including rentals. 
• There are basic checks you can do yourself, including: 
• Tyres – minimum tread is 1.5mm but the more tread, the better the grip. 
• Lights – check that all lights work so your vehicle is visible in poor light. 
• Indicators – ensure all indicators work so people know which direction you are moving. 
• Windscreen and wipers – check for wear and tear so you can see the road safely.