Thumbs up for fatigue stop |
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The first of two local fatigue stops on State Highway 39 was given a big ‘thumbs up’ by motorists on Sunday night. The police stop at Ngahinapouri processed over 800 cars between 6pm and 9pm on Sunday evening - one of the busiest times on this stretch of road as skiers return from the central plateau at the end of the weekend. Each driver was spoken to about the distance they had driven and the need for breaks when travelling long distances. They were also breath tested, then given information and peppermints, before being invited to pull off the road to enjoy a free sausage sizzle, soup or hot drinks outside the hall. With braziers blazing and the hall open for shelter or a comfort stop, around 10% of travellers took up the opportunity to take a break.
Most signed the visitors book and comments were hugely supportive of the concept.
Auckland snowboarders Gareth Lewis, Fraser Clements and Phil Stoddard were happy to enjoy the hospitality offered by the Ngahinapouri School PTA. Driver Gareth Lewis admitted the stop came at the right time for him. Whangarei residents Greg Tucker, Willie Bowmar and Nancy Bowmar were on their way home from Turoa and said they normally stopped at Mercer for a break and something to eat. “But this is a wonderful change - its great to stretch the legs, stand around the braziers and have some hot food and drinks served up. What a neat idea!”
Waipa Road Safety Co-ordinator Megan Jolly says they have a noticed a large increase in the use of State Highway 39 (Otorohanga-Pirongia-Ngahinapouri -Te Kowhai- Ngaruawahia) during winter months and crash statistics reveal a peak in the middle of winter. |