New Zealand

Lower speed tolerance back for long weekend

09:49 am on 25 October 2013

More police will be on the roads during the long weekend and there will be less discretion towards drivers who break speed limits.

Seven people died during last year's Labour Weekend holiday, with the police blaming alcohol, speed and failing to wear seat belts.

Police are issuing warnings this weekend for drivers not to speed, or drive while drunk or on drugs.

Tasman road policing manager Inspector Jenni Richardson says the speed tolerance will also be lowered to 4km per hour over the legal limit.

The offical holiday weekend period begins at 4pm on Friday and continues until 6am on Tuesday.