With the official opening of the snow season next week, Victoria Police wants people to be organised for their trip after thousands of visitors had their visits disrupted last year due to inadequate planning.
While the overwhelming majority of visitors to Victorian ski fields last year were well prepared for the conditions, about 5700 vehicles were turned around by police and authorised officers at Mt Hotham alone for not carrying appropriate wheel chains to drive in the snow.
Victoria Police and authorised officers will again be conducting random vehicle checks, both at alpine resorts and the roads leading to resorts, this year to ensure wheel chain compliance.
Wheel chains are a crucial piece of equipment when driving in alpine conditions, preserving the stability and traction of the vehicle’s wheels on roads affected by snow or ice.
It is a legal requirement to carry suitable wheel chains at all times during the snow season and they must be fitted when directed to do so.
Failing to carry wheel chains may result in a $370 fine, while failing to fit wheel chains when directed incurs a $970 fine.
“Driving on roads covered with snow or ice without appropriate chains is a recipe for disaster that could quite easily end in lethal consequences,” Eastern Region Superintendent Shane Cashman said.
Visitors are encouraged to visit the VicRoads and snow resort websites to learn more about snow chain requirements.
Supt Cashman said police wanted everyone to get to and from the ski fields safely.
“To make this happen, we will be out in force again on the roads surrounding Victoria’s most popular ski slopes, ensuring everyone is staying safe behind the wheel and conducting random snow chain compliance checks.
“We have seen far too much trauma on Victorian roads this year and we implore anyone driving to the snow this season to be well prepared, drive cautiously, and take care of themselves, their family, and their mates.”
In addition to a heavy police presence across key roads leading to resorts, police will also maintain a seven-day-a-week presence at Mt Buller, Mt Hotham and Falls Creek for the duration of the season.
These officers have undertaken specific training in alpine areas in the lead-up to snow season, ensuring they are well placed to maintain public order on the slopes, respond to incidents, and conduct search and rescue missions.
Police conducted 19 search and rescue missions during last year’s snow season, including 12 at Falls Creek, five at Mt Hotham and two at Mt Buller.
Responsible service of alcohol will also be a focus, with patrols and spot checks of licensed venues to occur throughout the season.
Snow safety tips
• Ensure your car’s radiator is filled with anti-freeze and if diesel use Alpine Mix.
• Drive cautiously with gradual pressure on the accelerator to avoid wheel spin.
• Brake gently and avoid unnecessary gear changes.
• Maintain a safe braking distance from vehicles in front, especially in poor visibility.
• Let someone know where you are going and how long you will be.
• Regularly check weather and snow conditions as conditions can change quickly.
• If lost – stop, seek shelter, call 000 and wait.
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