Ice is making Bay of Plenty roads treacherous and motorists are being warned to take 'extreme care” while driving around the region.

The Bay of Plenty is experiencing continuous cold, fine weather which is making icy road surfaces more common.

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.”

Brett says the NZTA is urging motorists to take care at all times, especially on wet, shaded sections of road where ice is more likely to form.

'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.

'Drivers should always plan ahead for their journey, ensure they drive to the conditions and allow greater following distances in order to keep safe when driving on our roads this winter.”

Information pertaining to current highway conditions is available online at www.nzta.govt.nz