Unconventional new signage is being introduced in an effort to raise the awareness of winter driving conditions on the Crown Range Road, Queenstown Lakes District Council operations manager Chris Hawker said.

"The signage is unlike any you will see elsewhere in the country and basically reflects the fact that we have completely unique driving conditions on that particular stretch of road," Mr Hawker said.

The Crown Range Road was the highest mountain pass in New Zealand, a fact that often escaped drivers during the district's winter season.

"We continue to have people attempting the pass, regardless of the conditions and regardless of warning signs. In particular people ignore signs which say 'chains must be fitted' so this year we have decided to try some signage with a difference," Mr Hawker said.

The Council had opted for signage using bright fluorescent colours and some simple messages.

"For instance you will see a sign that will ask the question as to whether or not you have your chains, followed by another sign which will ask you 'WHY RISK IT?',"Mr Hawker said.

Other signage includes: 'WINTER DRIVING ZONE', 'GOT YOUR CHAINS?', 'WARNING ICE ZONE' and 'NO HEAVY BRAKING'.

"These signs will only appear when conditions prescribe it, in order that the regular drivers do not become complacent," Mr Hawker said.

ENDS

For further information please contact Chris Hawker 03 441 0499.

By: Tamah