Smart Transport Choices Add to Winter Festival Enjoyment

Queenstown Winter Festival is all set for launch this Friday and Queenstown Lakes District Council transport manager Denis Mander is asking people to think ahead about transport and parking to ensure a hassle free night.

“Winter Festival’s Opening Night and exciting fireworks display is always a huge hit with families but with large numbers of people heading into the town centre, we all have to think about how we travel and where we park,” he said.

Mr Mander said if people were travelling in via SH6 or 6A they should allow extra travel time in case there was congestion. He was also advising people who could to consider using Malaghans/Gorge Road as their route to town.

People should also give thought to the possibility of other modes of transport.

“Have a chat to friends and neighbours, you may be able to car pool with them, “Mr Mander said. “The bus may be a good option for you or even walking if you live close enough.”

Extra traffic management would be in place at the pedestrian crossing on Stanley Street helping people cross the road while still keeping traffic moving and Mr Mander said drivers would need to be alert for pedestrians, in particular children.

“It’s easy for kids to get swept up in the excitement and lose their traffic sense,” he said. ”Drivers should try to keep speeds down when driving through crowded areas.”

Mr Mander was also reminding people to be prepared for whatever the weather was likely to throw down.

‘There’s snow forecast over the next few days and it’s a good idea to make sure we’re not just prepared to keep ourselves warm on a cold night but that we have the gear we need to keep moving should weather conditions change,” he said.

“If you’re driving, make sure you’ve got your chains and always drive to the conditions.

The Queenstown Winter Festival American Express Opening Party and Fireworks takes place at Earnslaw Park from 6pm Friday 21 June. The Fireworks display begins at 7pm.

ENDS

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