Taking it slow for the holidays

The severely congested Northern Motorway near Silverdale yesterday. Picture / Amos Chapple

Two holidaymakers have time to take photos (above) amid a traffic jam at least 6km long on the Northern Motorway between Orewa and Silverdale yesterday. Police urged drivers heading north from Auckland to use State Highway 16 through Helensville.

A police spokesman from Orewa said about midday that it was taking up to 90 minutes to get through the town.

Some stuck motorists reportedly tried to reverse on the motorway because of the delays. Police said such behaviour could cause a crash.

On Boxing Day, traffic was flowing freely through that area.

Police said they hoped the congestion would ease after today for holidaymakers heading north.

No major problems were reported for southbound traffic yesterday.

"It was busy and there were delays but nothing out of the ordinary," said police spokesman Inspector Andy Brill.