Some good news for travellers stranded in taupo

Civil Defence and roading contractors OPUS are currently looking at beginning to retrieve cars but this will need to happen in a methodical manner – beginning with the first block of twenty and then working backwards

The number of cars abandoned may mean that the majority of owners will need to wait until the morning as the onset of darkness will hamper the retrieval efforts. The forecast is for similar conditions so snow may well set in again adding to the wait.

Controller Tina Jakes says “we will try our best to work through the backlog but it will be a major logistical exercise. We understand that people will be anxious to get their cars back and get on their way but we ask that they are patient and let us get on with the process as quickly as possible. We will keep people being accommodated updated on any progress and ask that those in private or commercial accommodation call us if we don’t already have their contact details and/or car keys.”

Approximately 150 cars have been stranded on the Taupo side of the Napier Taupo Highway. Napier dealing with their end separately.

Around 300 stranded travellers have been processed at the Taupo Welfare centre and all are safe and well. No injuries have been sustained but there have been some cases of people with medical issues which have all been addressed. Ongoing security arrangements are currently in progress.