Southern District Police are warning drivers in the Central Otago Lakes area, especially around Queenstown, to take care as icy roads cause chaos this morning.
There have been hard frosts throughout the district this morning and road users need to drive to the conditions. If at all possibly, please delay unnecessary travel until the roads thaw.
The Wakatipu Basin is largely effected this morning and large areas of black ice appeared at daybreak.
All shaded areas have been gritted and roading contractors are working around the area, including Wilsons Bay, Bobs Cove, Arthurs Point and Malaghans Road. The Crown Range Road is also very icy right through to the Cardrona Valley Road.
There have been a number of crashes this morning and some roads may have delays while the vehicles are cleared.
Winter conditions are in full effect and ice is likely across the region so Police warn motorists to watch the usual trouble spots, beware of grit and ice, keep your speeds and following distances down, and drive with care.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre