We had it before Christmas, and now the holiday traffic appears to have returned in the lead-up to New Year's.

Yesterday a caller to the SunLive newsroom remarked on how heavy the Tauranga-bound traffic was from Katikati, and again today it appears equally bad, with traffic slowed to a crawl out of Katikati.

Another caller today on her way back from Whitianga says traffic has been slow all day, chiefly due to an increased number of cyclists on the road.

She says they're difficult to pass, and rarely pull over for traffic.

The scene on State Highway 2 yesterday, taken by passenger. Photo: Elaine Fisher.

Meanwhile, the holiday period road toll is currently equal to that of last year, sitting at 12.

National Road Policing Manager Superintendent Steve Greally says police are extremely disappointed with the number of fatal crashes.

'While these crashes are all under investigation and it is too early to speculate on causes, I can say with some confidence they were all avoidable.”

Of significance, a third of the fatalities so far have been motorcyclists.

'Every time you approach a car - or motorbike - with keys in your hands, you need to be aware that your decisions affect more than just yourself.”

The official holiday road toll period ends at 6am Wednesday January 6, 2017.

What's the traffic been like for you? What do you think is the biggest cause of traffic woes in the Bay? Let us know on 0800 SUNLIVE, Facebook, or email photos to newsroom@thesun.co.nz.