Crash prompts warning from police

Cars backed up on SH2. Photo/Anna Whyte

Peak morning traffic was down to a crawl between Aongatete Rd and around Morton Rd on SH2 after a truck appeared to rebound off a bank, ending up in the middle of the road.

Enough space was left for cars to still travel around each side of the truck.

Another truck, a car transporter, was parked up with its hazard lights on to warn oncoming traffic.

The Katikati Volunteer Fire Brigade was called out at 6.45am

Western Bay of Plenty head of road policing Senior Sergeant Ian Campion said the crash had resulted in minor injuries.

He recommended people stay off the roads today unless travel was absolutely necessary.

"At this stage, we expect the weather will continue like this throughout the day.

"My advice to travelers is to put off your trip if you can until the weather improves."

The speed limit on State Highway 29 over the Kaimai Range has been lowered to 80km/hr on the Tauranga side and 60km/he on the Matamata side because of a combination of heavy rain and strong winds.

Mr Campion said if travel was essential, motorists should keep their speed down, respect following distances, put headlights on and take extreme car.

Another crash this morning was reported at Te Awanui Dr near the Tauranga Marina entrance. There were no injuries.