21 Oct 2017

Labour Weekend road toll rises to two

1:27 pm on 21 October 2017

Police have named the woman killed in a crash near Christchurch overnight as Jaimey Fellows.

The 32-year-old was killed when her car crashed near Burnham on State Highway One shortly after midnight.

Another person was seriously injured in the crash.

The holiday road toll is currently at two, with another person killed in a crash near Turangi shortly before 11.30 this morning.

That crash has closed State Highway 41 and drivers are being asked to avoid the area.

Police have urged drivers to reduce their speed and be patient.

301 people have been killed in car crashes so far this year, up 46 from the same time last year.

Superintendent Steve Greally says having more cars on the road travelling to holiday destinations brings an increased risk of crashes.

He's urging people not to speed, not to drink alcohol and drive, and always wear a seatbelt.

Mr Greally says lower speed thresholds will be in place until 6am on Tuesday.

He also reminds people they can phone 111 if they see a dangerous driver and it's an emergency, or *555 to report a risk.