Police have set up checkpoints in Kaiwaka and Mangawhai to prevent people from fleeing the Auckland region for Northland ahead of a possible change in alert levels this week.
Northland district commander Tony Hill says Police have been stopping motorists at the checkpoints and have turned them around if they were not undertaking essential travel.
“We have been pleased with the overall level of compliance from motorists we have spoken to over the last week. However, we will continue to take action where motorists choose to disregard current travel restrictions.”
He says anyone attempting to travel into Northland can expect to be stopped at a checkpoint or “randomly” on the road and asked about their purpose for travel.
“We have been at level four for a week and there is no excuse for people not to follow the rules.”
Commander Hill says Police will take enforcement action against those that “blatantly” ignore restrictions.
Checkpoints are currently located at the intersection of SH1 and SH12, Mountain Road in Kaiwaka and Cove Road north of Mangawhai.
Residents on social media have reported being turned around while on their way to supermarkets in Whangarei and prompted to go to Warkworth.
