Motorists are being advised to take extreme care when travelling throughout the Bay of Plenty as continuing cold fine weather is making icy road surface more frequent in the region.
NZTA Bay of Plenty state highways manager, Brett Gliddon, says ice is common throughout the Bay of Plenty, on state
highways 36, 29, 2 and 30 and surrounding areas, particularly in sheltered places.
"We've had reports of very bad ice patches forming along sections of state highway around parts of the Bay of Plenty, particularly along SH36 from Tauranga to Rotorua. Much of this ice is remaining on the roads throughout the day, as many areas don't get sunlight until late in the day, if at all."
Mr Gliddon 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 apply grit to affected sections of road where possible; however the speed at which ice can form means that sometimes our crew have not had a chance to spread grit".
Mr Gliddon says "Drivers should always plan ahead for their journey, ensure they drive to the conditions and allow greater following distance in order to keep safe when driving on our roads this winter."
