Chaos for Wellington commuters

As a cold front sweeps across the country rain and snow has led to crashes and delays for motorists heading into Wellington this morning.

Police and the New Zealand Transport Agency considered closing State Highway 2 over the Rimutaka Hill as heavy snows and ice were reported, causing several cars to skid off course, Sergeant Bruce Mackay of police communications said.

The agency opted to put sand down to help with grip and keep the road open.

Four crashes were reported on State Highway 1 between Waikanae and Pukerua Bay as rain led to treacherous conditions.

One car went through a barrier on an overbridge south of Paekakariki, sliding down a bank.

Another slid off the road in Paekakariki and three-car nose-to-tail crashes were reported in Paraparaumu and Otaihanga, on the Kapiti Coast.

About 6am emergency services were called to extinguish a car which appeared to be have been deliberately set on fire near Pukerua Bay.

Mr Mackay reminded motorists to drive to the conditions.

- NZPA