Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Marlborough drivers are being asked to take extra care on the region’s roads with the annual grape harvest underway.
Harvest season sees an increase in heavy machinery moving between vineyards from now until mid-April, with activity peaking in the middle of March.
Drivers can expect to see harvesters and an increase in the number of trucks on the roads across the wider Marlborough region, as vineyards bring their grapes in for pressing and processing.
Road users can expect activity on all of the region’s state highways – SH1, SH6, SH62, and SH63 – and on local roads.
Drivers must take extra care on the roads and drive appropriately when they encounter harvesters and trucks.
This especially applies when overtaking. Drivers must check their passing distances, look out for oncoming traffic, and for trucks and harvesters entering and leaving vineyard areas.
Truck drivers carrying grapes for processing are also urged to watch their speed and drive with caution through roundabouts as these have been hot spots for spill incidents in the past.
Grape harvester travelling in Marlborough.