Latest news with #CraigMoran
ABC News
6 days ago
- Automotive
- ABC News
School holiday snow tourists urged to drive safely amid surge in vehicles sliding off road
Holiday-makers hitting visiting ski fields in New South Wales are being advised to drive to the conditions amid a surge in vehicles sliding off roads. More than 6,000 motorists were estimated to have attended ski resorts over the weekend, which forced road closures after car parks at Perisher and Thredbo reached capacity. It is peak period in the Snowy Mountains due to the rush from the NSW and ACT school holidays. "So far this snow season, there's been a fourfold increase on last year with people sliding off the side of the road," Transport for NSW operations management executive director Craig Moran said. Mr Moran said there had been about 100 instances of cars sliding off the road so far this winter, but none were considered to be major crashes. Roads remain busy today and Kosciuszko Road or Alpine Way may be closed again due to car parks filling up. Visitors are encouraged to take public transport including the Skitube or the NSW government's Snowy Mountains Bus Service. Drivers can subscribe to SMS alerts from Transport for NSW for information about car park capacity. They are also being urged to fit snow chains to their tyres. "Driver error and inexperience is playing a factor," Mr Moran said. "Please slow down, be easy on the brake and accelerator and just be patient. "Driver behaviour generally has been pretty good … it's just some people making poor choices." Mechanics in Jindabyne have plenty of experience repairing vehicles during winter. Snow Country Automotive co-owner Megan Shirk said it was "anticipated". "Winter is our crazy, busy period," she said. Ms Shirk said vehicles needed work after long trips, wildlife strikes or collisions en route to the ski resorts. "Just last week we had a two-in-one job — one guy had swerved off the icy road into another girl's car," she said. Ms Shirk said she could empathise with those travelling long distances to get to the slopes but urged drivers to slow down. "I used to be a Sydneysider — I know the story," she said. "You drive six hours or so to get here and all you want to do is get to the snow. "I can understand people are impatient these days, but people aren't driving to the conditions and slowing down."
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Warning for millions as wild weather sparks road safety blitz: 'Be prepared'
Holidaymakers are being urged to plan ahead and take extreme care on the roads this King's Birthday long weekend, as authorities brace for hazardous winter weather, increased traffic, and the official start of the ski season. With parts of the state still recovering from recent flooding, and snow expected to draw thousands to the mountains, NSW Police and Transport for NSW (TfNSW) have launched high-visibility enforcement operations across key regions in the state. Craig Moran, Executive Director of Operations Management at Transport for NSW, urged drivers to take the conditions seriously, with morning frost, fog, flood damage and an influx of vehicles expected to affect roads across the state. "Tragically, so far this year up to midnight on Wednesday, 156 people have died on NSW roads, 14 more than this time last year," he said. "Don't rush, be patient with other drivers and stay safe." He also warned snow-bound motorists to carry chains and be prepared for icy conditions. "If you're heading to the snow, the roads can be slippery, so you should also be prepared to fit snow chains to your vehicle when signage indicates or where directed at chain bays," he said. Police will also be out in force this long weekend, with double demerits in effect from 12.01am Friday to 11.59pm Monday, June 9, targeting dangerous driving, speeding and mobile phone use. Coinciding with the long weekend is the launch of Operation Snow Safe, a four-month crackdown on anti-social and unsafe behaviour in the Snowy Mountains, which kicks off today and runs until October. "The main message is for people to be patient and be prepared," Southern Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar said. "Most people have to drive a considerable distance to visit the snow, so please plan regular breaks, check the weather conditions beforehand and make sure your car is roadworthy and can manage hazardous and slippery conditions. "Drivers are urged to carry snow chains and ice scrapers... and pack blankets, food and water, with limited scope for detours on the roads leading to the snow, meaning you may be stuck in one location for a long period." Cassar said the Snowy Mountains region would see a large contingent of officers deployed throughout the ski season — on slopes, roads and inside licensed venues across Jindabyne, Thredbo and Perisher. "Whether it's being involved in anti-social behaviour or getting behind the wheel of a car after consuming too much alcohol, that sort of behaviour won't be tolerated," he said. Police will also work closely with the NSW Alpine Operations Unit, Rescue Squad, SES, and National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) throughout the season to assist with search and rescue operations. Warning for families going camping ahead of King's birthday weekend 'Winter has arrived': Coldest morning of year What's open over the long weekend NPWS Director Southern Ranges, Mark Peacock, said everyone venturing into alpine areas should take basic safety precautions, especially hikers and backcountry skiers. "NSW NPWS encourages adventurers — new or experienced — to plan your trip in advance, check the weather, carry a personal locator beacon (PLB), and know where shelter can be found at all times," he said. "It is also much safer to travel in a group rather than alone." Visitors are strongly encouraged to complete a Trip Intention Form, which can be shared with emergency contacts and used by rescue teams if needed. "It only takes a few minutes, but it could save your life," Mr Peacock said. South-east #Australia will experience a wintry blast this weekend as a cold front moves over the region. So, what is a cold front? Watch to learn more. Latest: — Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) June 5, 2025 Authorities pointed to a recent rescue as a stark reminder of how quickly conditions can change. About 10.30am on Tuesday, June 3, emergency services were called to Seaman's Hut on the Kosciuszko Main Range after three hikers became trapped in a snowstorm while walking between Charlotte Pass and the Mount Kosciuszko summit. They were located by police and emergency services and transported back to Charlotte Pass — cold and underprepared, but thankfully uninjured. They had not carried a PLB, were not dressed for the conditions, were low on water and had not submitted a Trip Intention Form. Meanwhile, major flood recovery works are still underway across parts of the state, with some roads remaining closed or damaged. Major roads around the Hunter, Mid-North Coast and North Coast were badly damaged during the recent floods, including the Oxley Highway, which remains closed west of Mount Seaview, due to a landslide, Moran said. In and around Sydney, heavy traffic is expected on key routes from Friday. For up-to-date information on travel conditions, motorists are encouraged to visit Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
