Newly appointed Associate Transport Minister and Tauranga MP Simon Bridges is asking people to drive safely during the Easter holidays.

He says Easter is one of the busiest holiday weekends in terms of traffic on the roads.

'Let's stay focused, drive to the conditions and be aware of the risks that driver fatigue and distraction can cause.”

Police are also enforcing a reduction in their speed tolerance and are hoping to send a clear message that unsafe speeds are unacceptable.

Last year's Easter break saw five people killed on New Zealand roads and a total of 202 people injured.

Simon is asking motorists to be patient on the roads.

'Please be careful, patient and respectful of other motorists.”

The official Easter holiday period began at 4pm Thursday, April 5, and ends at 6am on Tuesday, April 10.