A temporary reduced speed threshold to 4km/h will be in place on Bay of Plenty roads from tomorrow until Monday, April 28.

The reduction follows on from the same reduction during the Christmas period, which police say resulted in a significant reduction in road deaths.

Police are urging motorists to take care on the roads during the long weekends.

It will begin at 4pm on Thursday, April 17 and stay in force through both upcoming Easter and Anzac long weekends, finishing at 6am on April 28.

Bay of Plenty Police are encouraging motorists to drive safe and make sure they reach their destination without incident during this time.

Easter is a particularly high risk time with more people on the roads, less hours of daylight and changeable weather; the current forecast is for heavy rains in many parts of the country.

Last year one of the three people killed in New Zealand over the Easter weekend died on Bay of Plenty roads.

The district also currently has a number of temporary speed limits in place on main highways due to road works and long-term construction programmes.

BOP Acting Road Policing Manager, Senior Sergeant Fane Troy, says patience is a key ingredient to safety, so anyone travelling is advised to plan routes, prepare for potential delays, allow plenty of time to reach a destination, take regular rest breaks and drive to the conditions.

'We make no apology for sounding like a broken record when we say it's better to arrive late than not arrive at all.

'That should be in the minds of everyone. Even safe and careful drivers can make mistakes if they are tired or have a moment of distraction and that's why every driver on the road needs to take personal responsibility.

"It's a simple choice to look after yourself and other roads users; potentially a choice between life and death.”

Speed and alcohol also continue to be factors in a number of fatal and injury crashes.