They might be 'well behaved” so far but motorists are being urged by Western Bay of Plenty Police to take extra care on their way home today from the long weekend, with rain forecast to hit.

With people making the trip back home and traffic beginning to build, drivers are reminded to drive to the conditions and be patient in heavy flows of traffic.

Traffic congestion. Photo: File.

Western Bay of Plenty Road Policing Sergeant Mike Owen says so far motorists have been 'fairly well behaved” on the roads this weekend, but this afternoon is the crucial time to be alert.

'I guess the crunch will come this afternoon when everyone starts to head home.”

Motorists are also widely adhering to the 4km/h speed tolerance police are enforcing this weekend as they look to make this Labour Weekend one to remember.

People caught doing up to 4km/h over the speed limit can face a $30 fine or 10 demerit points.

'In general motorists are fairly well behaved in sticking to the speed limits.

"They also seem to be planning their journeys in advance, whether that is giving them plenty of time to get there or leaving a bit early to avoid the traffic.”

Mike reminds motorists to take care while making their way home with rain predicted this afternoon, making roading conditions slippery.

Metservice is forecasting the north and centre of the North Island will get the worst of the weather this afternoon.

'Make sure you are planning your journey, making sure you're hydrated, taking regularly stops and don't get distracted by the radio or kids in the back.

'The rain is coming so increasing those following distances and remember that the speed limit is not a target.”

The long weekend road toll is already triple what it was last year – three deaths compared to one last year.

The official holiday period started on Friday at 4pm and runs until 6am tomorrow.