Acting road policing manager for Otago Lakes Central, Sergeant Bruce Martin, of Alexandra, said overall driver behaviour during the holiday period was reasonably good — particularly given the huge influx of people to the area.
"Most drivers showed patience and travelled with the flow of the traffic they were in," Sgt Martin said.
Given the volumes of traffic on the roads there were few crashes in the area during the holiday period, Sgt Martin said.
Data released to The News by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi last week showed the number of crashes over the Christmas-New Year period in Central Otago were the lowest recorded in recent years.
Three minor injury crashes were the only incidents recorded over the holiday period, which ran from 4pm on Friday, December 22 to 6am, Wednesday, January 3.
No fatal, serious crashes or non-injury crashes were recorded over this period.
This was a significant reduction from the nine total crashes recorded last year, including two minor injury crashes.
There had been an increase in both New Zealand and international drivers on the roads, leading up to and during the holiday period, Sgt Martin said.
"This has led to an increase of driving complaints from the public, which is to be expected for this time of year."
Central Otago did record a serious crash immediately after the official holiday period ended.
Two people suffered critical injuries after a head on crash on the outskirts of Alexandra on Wednesday, January 3.
One person has appeared in court in relation to the crash.
Thirty-nine people have lost their lives on New Zealand roads so far this year , the highest in reccent years.
Sgt Martin said roads remained busier than other times of the year and the increase in traffic was expected to continue for the next few months.
Police would continue to remain highly visible on the road network and respond to reports of poor driving.
"So don’t be surprised if you are stopped and held to account if you are doing something wrong," Sgt Martin said.
"We live in an amazing part of the country, and want to make sure that everyone can enjoy it safely."
