Canterbury Police have commended drivers for taking things slowly today - but caution that conditions will still be treacherous overnight and tomorrow morning.
Road Policing Manager Acting Inspector Glenn Nalder says with nightfall approaching motorists should be aiming to get off the roads as early as possible.
"We haven't seen the last of the ice by any means," he says. "Ice is still thick on many roads around the city and rural areas, and as the temperatures drop tonight conditions will be extremely dangerous.
"Things won't be much better tomorrow morning. Black ice will be a huge risk for motorists, so the advice again is to avoid driving if you don't need to be on the roads.
"If you do have to drive - back your foot off, slow down and take things extra carefully, especially when cornering and driving through shaded areas where black ice sits."
Inspector Nalder says drivers around Christchurch have generally been careful today, with no serious crashes reported to Police.
"Well done to all those drivers who have been taking our advice and slowing down. These have been some of the most difficult driving conditions we've seen in the city for many years and it's a credit to most drivers that there have been no major incidents.
"We just need to keep it up for another 24 hours at least."
Police are continuing to use four-wheel-drive vehicles to ensure a high-visibility presence on city roads.
Information on road closures and conditions is available from the AA and Christchurch City Council websites.
ENDS
Media contact:
Acting Inspector Glenn Nalder, Road Policing Manager: 027 4529251