Media advisory

Carry chains on the Crown Range

Queenstown Lakes District Council is asking motorists using the Crown Range to ensure they carry chains as wintery weather begins to kick in.

QLDC Transport Manager Denis Mander says a few days last week saw ice and snow on the alpine pass and some people were not prepared.

“The Crown Range is a mountain road and as such is subject to snow and ice all year round,” he said. “Our advice is to always carry chains but people are still taking their chances and travelling without them.”

“It’s better to have them in the boot and not need them than leave them in the garage and regret it.”

Mr Mander said that if people did not have chains or were not confident driving in winter conditions, they should give serious thought to driving through the Kawarau Gorge, an alternative route between Wanaka and Queenstown.

“It only adds a little bit of extra time to your journey and is the safer option in those cases.”

Contractors have begun gritting and ploughing the roads but motorists should still exercise extreme caution and watch their speed and following distances.

“Conditions change rapidly and roads can freeze and snow can fall within minutes of gritting and clearance. Motorists need to be prepared.”

Council will be running its popular free chain fitting workshops in June. Dates and venues will be announced shortly.

ENDS

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