Winter’s arrival this week means early work starts for Council’s roading contractors, who are out applying grit to icy spots from 4am on days when ice is forecast.

Group Manager of Infrastructure and Open Spaces Neil McCann said that some sections of our roading network are known to ice over in freezing conditions.

“Our contractors are monitoring weather and the temperature from early in the morning and then gritting trucks head to those shady spots that can present danger for motorists.

“However grit is no magic bullet and driving conditions can change anywhere on the network at any time, so people need to drive to the conditions. Take it slowly and make sure your windscreen is clear.”

Council has free ice-scrapers for those whose vehicles are parked outside during winter to help remove frost and ice on their windscreens.

Mr McCann said snow on roads at higher elevations was also common during winter.

“Motorists need to exercise caution, adjust their speed to suit the conditions, increase their following distances and use their headlights to be seen.”

NZ Transport Agency is also advising motorists to keep up to date with winter weather conditions if they are travelling on the state highway network, using Journey Planner.

Find out more about those good winter driving habits here.

Council's map of ice-gritting sites: