Lowered speed tolerance in summer is being credited for making roads safer with 42 deaths recorded between December 2013 and January 2014 – nearly half the 82 recorded in December/January 2008/2009.

From December 1 till midnight last night, police had a tolerance of just 4kmh above the speed limit for all drivers. It was the first time the reduced speed tolerance was extended beyond an official holiday period.

Police are crediting the lowered speed tolerance for making roads safer during the holiday period.

National road policing manager, Superintendent Carey Griffiths, says it will take several months until a full and robust assessment of the campaign can be carried out.

'Anecdotal feedback from our officers indicates the vast majority of motorists stopped for speeding were apologetic, with fewer complaints generally.

'We've also received many supportive comments, with feedback that traffic appeared quieter and calmer over the holidays.”

The end of campaign also follows a record low road toll for 2013, and one of the lowest ever January tolls on record.

Carey says the figures reflect a continuing downward trend.

In 2013, 254 fatalities were recorded, the lowest road toll in 60 years, compared with 308 in 2012.

There were 23 deaths recorded in December 2013, the lowest December road toll since monthly records began in 1965, and 19 deaths were recorded for January 2014 – the second lowest number for January since monthly records began in 1965 – one higher than the record low of 18 in January 2013.

'This long term trend is due to several factors: safer speeds, safer vehicles, and safer roads and roadsides – and just as importantly, improved driver behaviour, due to the vast majority of Kiwis who are driving more safely and looking out for each other,” says Carey.

'That said, sadly, it's still 42 too many people who have died so far this summer, along with countless others who have been hurt – leaving grieving families and friends behind. That's why Police and its road safety partners will be continuing to focus on making our roads safer this coming year and maintaining the downward trend."

Carey says while the early campaign feedback is pleasing, more comprehensive analysis still needs to be carried out.

There are no current plans to introduce the 4km/hr speed threshold permanently.

'In the meantime, we remind motorists that this is no excuse to speed up, and that officers have the discretion to issue notices for anyone travelling faster than the posted speed limit.”