"Hell will freeze over before I stop to put chains on. If you were wrapped around a tree, would you want me to stop and fit chains?"
SES controller, Les Threlfo.
Initial reactions to the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) discussion paper - with the full report here - that could ultimately result in all 4WD vehicles being forced to fit snow tyres or use snow chains, when travelling to the snow fields in winter has been guarded at best if not outright hostile.
All 4WD vehicles are currently exempt from having to carry and fit snow chains under the National Park Regulation but the RTA wants to see the changes introduced by 2010.
In addition the RTA proposes extending the regulation to take in the Alpine Way from Penderlea which would mean anyone travelling to the skitube would be affected.
The RTA claims the changes, will reduce the number of crashes occurring above the snow line in the Alpine Region.
However the RTA's own figures reveal that between 2003 and 2007 there were 60 reported crashes along the Alpine Way but just 20 per cent of these involved a 4WD.
Over the same period there were 32 reported crashes along the section of Kosciuszko Rd, west of Saw Pit Creek of which just over 40 per cent involved a 4WD.
Changes to the regulations on 4WD vehicles would not have any impact on 2WD vehicles which are involved in the vast majority of incidents.
SES controller, Les Threlfo said that it was totally unrealistic to expect emergency vehicles to stop and fit chains.
"I have never had to use chains in eight years. We need to educate the drivers better, reduce the speed limits and heavily police the roads," Mr Threlfo said.
Ron Carey, head of the Jindabyne ambulance station is also concerned. Although the Jindabyne vehicles are fitted with snow tyres, there are times when vehicles are used from Queanbeyan which do not have snow tyres.
"It'll affect us badly because there would be at least a 10 minute delay. I understand why they're doing it but the problem is drivers are not slowing down for the conditions," Mr Carey said, adding "fitting snow tyres won't help if they are going too fast to start with."
At the fire station, deputy fire chief, Gerald West, said that all trucks were 4WD but did not have snow tyres fitted.
"I have only used chains once in three and a half years," he said.
At the police station, Senior Sergeant Tony Moodie, commented: "Anything that improves safety is good but I would hope to see a lot of community consultation take place before anything is agreed."
For the many locals who have 4WD or all wheel drive cars to dispense with the need for snow chains on regular journeys to the mountains, snow tyres would be an added financial burden at over $2000 to fully equip a 4WD vehicle.
There are also concerns on how this may affect the tourism market.
Gary Grant from Perisher Blue said that the resort had received a number of complaints from visitors relating to signage to put on snow chains for a very small section of snow and no indication when it was safe to remove them.
"It's great to focus on road safety and anything that reduces road accidents is good but we're concerned about the focus on a small percentage of accidents involving 4WDs. We'd like to see a review of salting and clearing. We could probably save a lot of road accidents with better management."
The RTA will meet with stakeholders next Wednesday October 1 at Quality Resort Horizons, 2pm, to discuss the proposals but have asked for public comments.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Send comments by email: leigh_madden@rta.nsw.gov.au
By mail: Winter Tyre and Snow
Chain Discussion Paper,
Attention Leigh Madden,
Roads and Traffic Authority,
PO Box 477,
Wollongong 2520
AND LET US KNOW TOO - WHAT DO YOU THINK?
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