Police are adding even more checkpoints around Auckland in an effort to enforce the level 3 lockdown, even as traffic backs up at the borders.
Travel in and out of Auckland is heavily restricted and police are questioning people around their movements.
Earlier on Monday, Newshub reported that it's taking "frustrated" motorists roughly four hours to travel just 5 kilometres from Pokeno to Bombay as traffic continues to build at one of the south Auckland roadblocks. Footage from the queue shows a line of vehicles at a standstill.
In a statement issued on Monday afternoon, police said they had increased the number of checkpoints in south Auckland by three to eight.
"Police are continuing to operate a now increased number of checkpoints in both north and south Auckland as we continue to play our part in helping to prevent any further community spread of COVID-19," Assistant Commissioner Richard Chambers says.
"That brings the number of checkpoints currently operating to 13."
The new checkpoints are at Pinnacle Hill/Medhurst Road, Buckville Rd/Harrisville Rd and Mill Rd/Razorback Rd
North Auckland checkpoint locations:
- SH1/Mangawhai Rd
- Mangawhai Rd/North of Coal Hill Rd
- Mangawhai Rd/Ryan Rd
- Mangawhai Rd/Cames Rd
- Black Swamp, West of Rako Rd
South Auckland checkpoint locations:
- SH1/Bombay
- SH1/Bombay
- Mill Rd/Razorback Rd
- Pinnacle Hill Rd/Medhurst Rd
- Tuakau Rd/Buckland Rd
- Buckville Rd/Harrisville Rd
- Kawakawa/Orere Rd and Orere/Matingarahi Rd.
- Mangatawhiri Rd/Lyons Rd
As of 4pm Saturday August 15, police say more than 50,000 vehicles have gone through police checkpoints since the regional lockdown started. Of those 50,468 stopped, 676 vehicles have been turned around.
"You must have documentation to show police and to support why you need to leave or enter Tāmaki Makaurau," Asst Cmmr Chambers says.
"These numbers show the significant volumes of traffic going through police checkpoints and for that reason, we urge people to ensure they are only undertaking essential and permitted travel in and out of Tāmaki Makaurau.
"We are asking drivers to have as much documentation as possible ready to show police at the checkpoints. If you do not have this, then unfortunately police will have to turn you around.
"Motorists should plan to expect delays at the checkpoints at peak hours."
