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.

By: Jo Blick