Waka Kotahi is asking drivers to be extra cautious, and farmers to make safety a top priority when moving dairy livestock between farms this Moving Day – an annual event which generally starts from 1 June.

Tresca Forrester, Waka Kotahi journey manager for Canterbury, said drivers need to take care on highways this week and over Queens Birthday Weekend, especially in South Canterbury. Many cows will be herded along roads if it’s only a short distance between the farm they are leaving and the one they are going to.

Waka Kotahi said people involved in driving stock must wear high visibility clothing to ensure they can be clearly seen by road users, warning signs should be used and flashing amber beacon lights activated on vehicles that are part of the droving operation.

Stock truck drivers are reminded to use stock truck effluent waste disposal sites, to minimise spillages on both the highway and local roads.

The agency said particular care is needed when moving stock on roads with bends. Signs or a pilot vehicle with a flashing amber beacon will be needed around the corner, to warn motorists of stock ahead.

If moving machinery, drive slowly and, if necessary, have a pilot vehicle to warn road users of the wide vehicle following.