A line of southbound traffic stretching more than eight kilometres from Kiama Bends signalled the arrival of the Easter long weekend on Thursday.
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The long queue of cars started forming about noon, and was still adding nearly an hour to South Coast trips on Thursday night.
Motorists trying to make a detour through Macquarie Pass also faced problems after a truck crashed about 1pm, blocking both lanes.
No-one was seriously injured, but the start to the holidays has prompted police to issue a warning to motorists.
Senior Constable Adam Tregonning, from Wollongong Highway Patrol, called on motorists travelling long distances to carefully plan their journeys.
‘‘Just slow down, drive to the conditions and, being the long weekend, expect delays,’’ Snr Const Tregonning said.
‘‘Watch your speed, stay off your mobile phone and the biggest thing is plan your trip.’’
On Thursday, police launched two Easter road safety operations – Tortoise and Go Slow.
Double demerits are in force for speeding, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences during both operations.
So far this year, 107 people have died on NSW roads, up from 89 deaths at the same time last year.
Eight people were killed during the Easter holiday last year.