Police are appealing to motorists headed to the mountains not to ignore safety advice, which is putting themselves at others at serious risk.
They say far too many motorists are arriving at alpine resorts unprepared, with hundreds of cars having being turned away this season for failing to carry required snow chains.
Police have already made 50 rescues on Mt Hotham this season – mostly consisting of motorists who needed to be extracted to their cars due to rapidly changing weather conditions.
Police and alpine resort management staff say despite clear laws, signage and repeated safety messages, they continue to intercept a large number of vehicles without snow chains – equipment that can be the difference between a safe trip and a serious crash.
Eastern Region Commander Karen Nyholm said officers will maintain a strong presence throughout the school holidays, with proactive patrols and compliance checks being conducted by local police, Highway Patrol, alpine-trained members, Liquor Control Victoria and the Heavy Vehicle Unit.
Commander Nyholm said police have seen a significant rise in day trippers, with many failing to check the conditions and not carrying chains.
"Authorities are reminding all visitors that the same rules apply regardless of how long you plan to stay - if you’re entering designated alpine resorts, legally required snow chains must be carried and fitted when directed," she said.
“Carrying snow chains isn’t optional – it’s a legal requirement at alpine resorts and for good reason.
"They can be the difference between reaching your destination safely or being involved in a serious accident.
“We want everyone heading to the snow to have a great time and come home safely.
"But that starts with being properly prepared and making sure your vehicle is ready for the conditions.
“As we move into the school holidays, we’re urging all travellers to take a few simple steps before setting off – pack your chains, check the weather, and ensure your vehicle is suitable for the conditions. It could save your life.”
Incidents on the slopes this season include:
• On Saturday, 7 June, a probationary driver relying on GPS directions became stranded while attempting to travel from Gippsland to Sydney via the Dargo High Plains Road. Driving a 4WD with his girlfriend onboard, the man was unable to ascend the final climb near the Great Alpine Road due to fresh snow, icy conditions, and a lack of snow chains. Mt Hotham CFA were required to winch the vehicle to safety. The driver later told police he was unfamiliar with alpine driving conditions.
• Emergency services responded to another incident on Mt Buffalo Road, where a vehicle carrying four people – two adults and two children – slid off the road and came to rest on a small embankment. Fortunately, no one was injured.
• Police and SES crews from Bright and Falls Creek were deployed to a significant rescue operation on Blue Rag Range Track near Mt Hotham, where more than a dozen people became stranded as 50cm of snow fell in a short period. Some 13 people were rescued after their vehicles became stuck around 10.30pm.
• On Tuesday 10 June, police intercepted two young men who had driven a Mercedes sports car up to Mt Hotham in hazardous conditions. The vehicle, which could not be fitted with chains due to low-profile tyres and poor ground clearance, was also found to be unregistered. The driver was issued with a penalty notice.
