A man has died after a car he was driving went through a bridge barrier and fell about five metres to a carpark below.

Emergency services were called to the scene near Vivian St, New Plymouth, just after 2.30am on Sunday.

Police say the single occupant of the vehicle, believed to be aged in his 40s, was pronounced dead at the scene. No other vehicles or people were involved in the accident.

There is minimal disruption to normal traffic flow, however at this time New Plymouth's Vivian St one way system has one lane closed while the investigation continues.

It is expected to be open fully later today. New Plymouth Police, assisted by the Serious Crash Unit, are investigating and inquiries are ongoing to determine the cause of the crash.

Members of the public who may have witnessed the accident are urged to contact local police.