Motorists are being warned to take care when encountering muddy roads around Southland, while farmers are asked to play their part in minimising the problem.

Southland District Council roading contract manager Shaun Holland advised extra care should be taken when driving during winter as ice and mud on the roads could make conditions extremely slippery. 

He urged farmers to be conscious of the issue and play their part.

“Farmers, you can help keep our roads safe by avoiding as much as possible dragging mud from your paddocks on to the road when you’ve finished feeding out or harvesting,” he said.

“The mud creates a treacherous surface when it gets wet or icy, putting lives and property at risk for the unsuspecting driver.”

Council contractors had been dealing with excess mud on district roads lately and this came at a cost, which the council would be look to recoup, he said.

The council is reminding people that it is also an offence under Southland District Council’s Roading Bylaw 2008 to permit the depositing of debris on any road. “Debris” means any refuse, rubbish, animal remains or faeces, glass, metal, garbage, dirt, filth, rubble, ballast, stones, earth, hedge trimmings or waste matter, or any other thing of a like nature.

Anyone found to have breached the bylaw is liable to a $20,000 fine and, where the breach continues, to a further fine not exceeding $50 for every day or part of a day during which the breach has continued.

“We appreciate that in our rural communities feeding out and harvesting are just part of the job, but please be mindful of the safety of others and don’t leave a dangerous mess on the road when you leave the paddock,” Mr Holland said.