Police are preparing for a 'perfect storm” with a massive influx of visitors and atrocious weather expected to hit the Bay of Plenty this long weekend.

During Waitangi Weekend of last year there were zero road fatalities in the Bay and that's exactly how Western Bay road policing acting Senior Sergeant Trinity Milham wants to keep it this year.

Police remind motorists that road safety is everyone's responsibility and are asking people to please take care when driving around the Bay of Plenty this Waitangi Weekend. Photo: File

'We have a long weekend, plus several big events like the beach volleyball and One Love Festival, as well as poor weather forecasted, so we're potentially looking at a perfect storm in terms of traffic,” says Trinity.

'Police are asking all motorists to make good plans this weekend, take their time when travelling, stick to the speed limits and drive to the conditions.

'These are practical and logical tips that sometimes go out the window when we're in a bit of a rush or trying to make the most of the long weekend.”

Trinity says two of the biggest issues facing road policing staff, especially those patrolling State Highway 2, is driver fatigue and distraction.

There have been a number of crashes in the past year on SH2 where vehicles have crossed the centreline due to the driver being tired or distracted for a spilt second.

Remember: 'All that separates motorists from oncoming cars is just a few millimetres of paint”.

'If you're travelling long distances and feel fatigued then pull over and take a break, or if you can, share the driving with others.

'Also be aware that things like mobile phones, food and drink, GPS gadgets and even talking to passengers are common distractions which can take your focus off the road.”

People caught doing more than the posted speed on State Highway 29, over the Kaimai Range, will be stopped and could get a ticket. Photo: File

This weekend if you're planning on heading over the hill to the Waikato Trinity also asks motorists to adhere to the weather activated speed signs at the top of the Kaimais on SH29.

When bad weather strikes, the usual 100km/h speed limit is reduced to 60km/h on the Waikato side and 80km/h on the Bay of Plenty side.

'That is not an advisory – it is the speed limit if those signs are activated. Anyone found by police travelling over that speed limit will be stopped and issued a speeding ticket.”

Trinity is also warning motorists police's Traffic Alcohol Group will be out in force throughout the weekend, so don't be surprised if you're breath or drug tested.

'Road safety is everyone's responsibility and we really appreciate the public helping us out. If you can prevent someone who's drunk or on drugs from driving early on, it's a lot easier stopping them at that point rather than what could potentially eventuate,' says Trinity.

This year already 33 people have been killed on New Zealand roads, with two of those deaths occurring here in the Bay of Plenty.

Associate Transport Minister Craig Foss is urging all motorists to consider the road toll and its impact before getting behind the wheel this long weekend.

'We've needlessly lost almost as many people as we've had days in the year — that's unacceptable to me and, I'm sure, every other New Zealander.

'Road safety is not a mystery, we all know what we need to do to keep ourselves and others safe, it's a matter of putting that knowledge into practice behind the wheel,” says Craig.

The Traffic Alcohol Group will be out in force this Waitangi Weekend. Photo: File