Police lower speed tolerance over Christmas

File photo / NZH

Anyone caught 5km/h over the speed limit during the Christmas holiday period could be fined, police have warned.

The speed tolerance would be reduced from the usual 10km/h when the holiday period began in eight days, national road policing manager, Superintendent Paula Rose said.

Police would be out in force over the holiday to catch speeding motorists, Ms Rose said.

"Speed and alcohol are the key areas police will be focusing on this year, along with our usual pleas for drivers to exercise planning, patience and preparation."

The official holiday period will begin at 4pm on Friday December 24 and end at 6am on January 5.

Last Christmas holiday period there were 13 road deaths.

- NZPA