The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has increased the number of webcams on a major highway to provide motorists with real-time information about highway conditions in advance.

Images from the cameras are refreshed every 60 seconds and change their direction of view during peak times.

Drivers are able to access traffic updates through the NZTA website or through mobile phones and then adjust their journey based on the traffic situation.

NZTA regional director Jenny Chetwynd said the cameras allowed for smoother and safer travel.

The latest additions are at Otaki, Waiouru and Paremata on the State Highway 1—webcams already operate in Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.