A concerning number of motorists heading to and from Falls Creek and Mt Hotham alpine areas are continuing to flout the road rules, and put their own and other motorists' safety at risk. Police have revealed that over a four-day period targeting motorists heading to and from both resorts from 28 to 31 July, 457 offences were detected. This included: 260 speeding offences, 36 defect notices issued to unsafe vehicles, 36 heavy vehicle offences, 31 unregistered vehicles, 16 disqualified/suspended and unlicenced drivers, 5 drink driving offences from 2180 preliminary breath tests, five seatbelt offences, five disobey traffic signals/signs, three drug driving offences from 182 roadside drug tests, two vehicle impoundments and one mobile phone offence. The disappointing results were part of Operation Eastern Snow, which has seen police highly visible and enforcing on major roads heading to and from snowfields, including Falls Creek, Mount Hotham, Mount Buller and Mount Baw Baw. Police are also working alongside Safe Transport Victoria and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to intercept vehicles at designed checkpoints to conduct compliance checks and conduct alcohol and drug testing. Since the commencement of Operation Eastern Snow in July, police have detected a total 1356 offences. “Concerningly, we continue to detect far too many motorists for speeding, impaired driving and travelling in unsafe vehicles – all of which are extremely dangerous when combined with slippery roads impacted by snow and ice," Eastern Region Road Policing Inspector, Jarrad Dowswell said. "Despite repeated warnings, many motorists remain ill-equipped for travelling to alpine areas and dealing with potential adverse weather conditions. “Make sure you carry and fit snow chains as required and most importantly, don’t take any risks when driving in extreme conditions.” Inspector Dowswell said police were required to rescue occupants of two vehicles which became stuck approximately 4kms from the Mount Hotham summit on 31 July, due to a change in weather conditions. Both vehicles weren’t carrying snow chains and were required to be extracted, with police issuing fines to both drivers for failing to carry snow chains. Motorists are reminded that vehicles entering alpine areas during the declared snow season are required by law to carry wheel chains and fit them when instructed. Failure to carry chains may result in a $407 fine, while failing to fit them when required may attract a $1018 penalty. Motorists should also check and remove snow from their vehicles before departing the snowfields, to avoid it being dislodged while moving and potentially impacting the driver’s visibility or creating dangerous conditions for other road users. Operation Eastern Snow is ongoing until the end of the snow season and police are urging any motorists heading to the snowfields to drive cautiously on roads impacted by snow and ice, and carry and fit snow chains as required.
