The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) is warning drivers to take extra care on roads around the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions over the next week.

Roads can become very slippery or have ‘summer ice' when rain falls, following a series of high temperatures.

NZTA regional system manager Rob Campbell emphasises the need to slow down and to be more aware when driving.

'The combination of light rain and summer grime creates a slippery film on the road.

'We advise anyone who is driving in the rain or on a damp road over the next week to take extreme care. The slippery film on the surface of the road is invisible, so don't assume it's not there just because you can't see it.”

Drivers are also being reminded to have routine car checks, making sure vehicles are safe enough to cope through dangerous conditions.

'Properly inflated tyres with good treads are always a must for safe travel, but even more so in wet or slippery conditions.”