Caution Advised On Roads

The weather forecast may be promising a temporary halt to the recent snow storms but
motorists and pedestrians will need to continue to be extra cautious, Queenstown Lakes
District Council transport manager Denis Mander said.

A large dump of snow overnight saw Council contractors working overtime to ensure that
the districts’ main roads remained safe to travel. The Crown Range Road, which had been
closed overnight due to safety concerns, remained closed having received between 300 and
400 millimetres of snow.

Mr Mander said while there was no snow forecast tonight, more was expected on Thursday
and Friday and this had implications for anyone travelling around the district.

“People need to properly assess the conditions before getting in their cars and driving when
roads are covered in snow and ice,” said Mr Mander. “We’re still seeing vehicles without
chains being abandoned on roadsides because their owners didn’t think their decision
through properly.”

Abandoned vehicles could cause difficulties in getting the roads cleared in a timely fashion
and Mr Mander said there was the issue of people not driving in control and potentially
causing harm to themselves and others.

The lack of snow forecast for tonight will not necessarily mean easy travelling conditions
tomorrow (Wednesday) either. A freeze overnight could see road and footpath conditions
turn treacherous and people are being urged to be extra cautious.

“Speed needs to be kept down and following distances need to be increased over the next
couple of days,” Mr Mander said. “If it is icy, try and delay your journey till later in the day
when conditions thaw slightly.”

Extra attention would be given to footpaths overnight with a mini snow plough being used
to clear snow and ice. The area would include the CBD and extend out to include Fernhill
Road, Stanley Street as far as the Pounamu Apartments and the streets around Wakatipu
High School. A team would also be deployed first thing to clear and sweep the footpaths in
the town centre.

“Caution is required from pedestrians as well as motorists at this time of year,” said Mr
Mander.” If in doubt about getting to your destination safely, stay put.”

Regular roading updates are available via the qldccoms twitter feed which is scrolling live on
the Council website www.qldc.govt.nz.