As Dunedin heads into winter, the Dunedin City Council is reminding people to drive to the conditions. Winter in the city can be treacherous, with frequent frosts and a few snow days each year.

DCC Transport Delivery Manager Josh von Pein says the DCC and its contractors do their best to keep the main arterial routes clear and keep people well informed about the city’s road conditions.

People are also encouraged to be aware of winter conditions and take extra care when driving, cycling or walking to work or school.

“The seasons are one of the things that make Dunedin a great place to live, but winter brings its own challenges. We aim to help people make travel decisions by keeping main routes clear and providing good information about what is happening on the roads.”

Keeping the main arterial routes clear is the first priority, and major traffic routes are treated before 7.30am. Busy roads that feed on to arterial routes are the next priority. Most residential streets are not gritted.

Road conditions are updated regularly and people are encouraged to visit www.dunedin.govt.nz/road-conditions for the most up-to-date information. People can also look at webcams around the city.

Mr von Pein says it’s a good idea to allow a bit more travel time in bad weather if possible as people may strike delays or a slower trip even if roads stay open.

If Dunedin gets snow to low levels, the DCC’s home page, www.dunedin.govt.nz has useful information such as whether buses are running, if libraries and other facilities are open, and whether your rubbish will be collected.

The hardest frosts tend to arrive at daybreak. Make sure you de-ice and de-mist the windscreen and other windows before you start your journey and allow more time to get to your destination.

Drive slowly and use your headlights. In wet, icy or snowy weather, leave a greater distance between your vehicle and the one in front. Main roads are more likely to be gritted or treated with calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), which both de-ices and prevents ice forming. Motorists need to be particularly cautious on residential streets as these are generally not gritted.

If you are cycling, make sure your lights are working and you are wearing high visibility clothing. High visibility clothing is also a good idea if you are walking to make sure you are seen when crossing roads. Footpaths are not gritted or treated with CMA.

For winter driving tips – www.dunedin.govt.nz/winter-driving

For gritting information, including a grit map – www.dunedin.govt.nz/gritting

For road conditions – www.dunedin.govt.nz/road-conditions

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