Every single extra kilometre per hour matters.

That’s the message Southern District Road Policing Manager Inspector James Ure wants to get across to motorists in Otago and Southland, as his staff focus on those who are driving above the speed limit.

Even slightly.

“Our teams will be looking very closely at those who are driving 0-10km/h above the speed limit,” says Inspector Ure.

“Every opportunity we can take to reduce speeds, even by a fraction, has the potential to make a huge difference to safety on our roads.

“The science tells us that just a 1km/hr decrease in mean speeds across the board equates to between a 4-6% reduction in fatal crashes.

In today’s numbers, that means a potential saving of approximately 16 lives nationally.

"That’s a huge risk we can avoid with a small reduction in speed.”

To work on reducing the risks associated with vehicles travelling above the speed limit, Southern District Police will be looking to increase their presence on the road network and maintain a strong element of surprise.

“People should expect to see Police on roads right across the district – anywhere and anytime – looking to keep our community safe.”

Inspector Ure says this approach will play a big part in helping keep people safe from those travelling at high speeds.

But motorists also need to play their part.

“Even when speed doesn’t cause a crash, it is the single biggest determinant in whether you and your passengers walk away or are carried away.

“It’s simple: less speed means less harm.”