Travel warning: Go slow on 'summer ice'

Motorists are being warned to watch out for “summer ice” as thousands leave the city to make the most of a Waitangi Day long weekend.

“During long dry spells, dust, dirt, oil and other materials build up on the road surface,” Christchurch City Council Transport Operations Manager Aaron Haymes says.

Beware of summer ice on the roads.

“When it rains, the road surface can become very slippery,” he says.

“The greatest risk to drivers occurs shortly after the onset of rain and the condition can affect the surface for many hours after it first starts raining.”

“Summer ice” is the term used to describe these conditions. 

Motorists – especially motorcyclists – are being urged to adjust their driving to suit the conditions and to check the New Zealand Transport Agency website for road warnings.

Rain is forecast for the weekend.

“By lowering your speed on wet roads, taking special care on curves, lengthening your following distance and allowing extra travel time, motorists can take a proactive approach to ‘summer ice’ conditions,” Mr Haymes says.

Go to the NZ Transport Agency for more information.