Fire-fighters are urging patience, as motorists prepare to head away for the silly season.

Just last night rescue crews had to cut free one person trapped inside a car, after a single-car crash on Dunedin's northern motorway, just south of Waitati.

Spokesman Rewai Grace says that's just one example of the kinds of incidents nobody wants to see.

"Just take care and be patient when the roads are busy at the moment."

"With a little bit of patience you'll get there a little bit slower but in a safer condition."