Motorists are being warned to expect long delays as police man highway checkpoints around Auckland's perimeter to enforce ramped up travel restrictions. Big queues are now forming around Mercer heading south with traffic gridlocked along the Waikato Expressway almost back to Pokeno. Eight checkpoints on the outskirts of Auckland will be stopping vehicles and questioning drivers, ensuring there is no non-essential movement through the region. SH1/SH2 POLICE CHECKPOINTS – MON 15 FEBTravel to/from Auckland is restricted at COVID Level 3 with journeys for essential purposes only. "Please expect delays at State Highway police checkpoints operating 24/7 both north and south of Auckland every day until alert levels change.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 14, 2021 19:11 UTC