Canterbury Police say driving conditions across the region could remain hazardous for the next 24 hours, and are urging motorists to take extra care on the roads.
Road Policing Manager Acting Inspector Glenn Nalder says continuing low temperatures mean snow and ice are unlikely to clear quickly.
"Ice on the roads is the big risk today," he says.
"We continue to urge motorists to stay off the roads if possible. And if people do need to drive - please slow down, increase your following distances and take extra care when cornering.
"It could be at least another 24 hours before road conditions return to normal."
Inspector Nalder says drivers should be especially watchful for black ice.
"Shaded areas are particularly susceptible to black ice - and you can't see it until you're right on top of it. The best protection is to slow down and be cautious.
"Motorists on rural roads and highways also need to remain cautious. There's a temptation to speed up on the open road but black ice hazards will still be treacherous."
Road conditions around the city will be variable, Inspector Nalder says, with snow likely to melt steadily on some streets while others may see snow banked up for some time to come.
Up to mid-morning today [Tuesday] only eight traffic incidents had been reported to Police, with no serious crashes.
"There's certainly more traffic on the road today than yesterday, but it's good to see that people are driving carefully and slowly."
In Christchurch Police have an additional eight four-wheel-drive vehicles on patrol today, responding to both crime and crash reports.
The snow also appears to have put a damper on criminal activity, with only one burglary reported overnight.
ENDS
Media contact:
Acting Inspector Glenn Nalder, Road Policing Manager: 027 4529251
Stephen Hill, Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District: 03 3637815 / 027 4363701