Motorists are being advised to take extreme care when travelling throughout the Taranaki and King Country area over the next week as continuing cold weather is creating a higher prevalence of ice on road surfaces.
New Zealand Transport Agency State Highway Manager, Kaye Clark, says ice can be expected south of Hamilton through to New Plymouth, on state highways 3, 30, 37 and 4 and surrounding areas, particularly in sheltered places.
"We've had reports of very bad ice patches forming along sections of road throughout the Taranaki-King Country area, particularly along SH30 on the Mangapehi straights; at Puketutu; and at Benneydale. Much of this ice is remaining on the roads throughout the day, as many areas don't get sunlight on the road until late in the day, if at all."
Mrs Clark says the NZTA is urging motorists to take care at all times, especially on wet, shaded sections of road where ice is more likely. "Our road crews are applying grit to affected sections of road twice a day; however there's no substitute for staying alert, planning ahead and driving to the conditions when it comes to staying safe on our roads this winter - or at any time."
Current highway conditions are also available online or can be checked by call the NZTA freephone before travelling. The NZTA's website is updated regularly and it includes details on state highway road or lane closures, significant state highway road works and where relevant, detour and alternative route information. This information is available at www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic(external link) or by calling the NZTA freephone 0800 4HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49).
