News & Media Releases
Information kiosk for the Milford Road this winter
2 May 2007
Transit New Zealand will be operating an information kiosk on State Highway 94 between Te Anau and Milford Sound this winter.
The kiosk is located 8.5 km north of Te Anau and will initially operate when vehicles travelling the road are required to be fitted with chains, usually around 20 days a year between June and November.
Kiosk staff will provide motorists with information on safe driving in the conditions and check that visitors are carrying chains and can fit chains correctly.
Transit regional manager Mike O'Cain said the kiosk was aimed at improving the safety and enjoyment of tourists’ Milford Road experience.
“This development fits into our programme of continually upgrading the safety of the Milford Road. We want to provide timely information for road users and reduce the risks posed by people travelling this challenging road without the right equipment and driving experience.”
Mr O'Cain said traffic volumes on the popular tourist route grew by about 4-5 percent each year for the last four years, which in turn increased the potential risks of driving in the avalanche-prone alpine area.
He said having no chains, using chains that are the wrong size or fitted incorrectly, or being inexperienced at driving in alpine conditions were all factors that could cause a vehicle to have to stop or have an accident while driving to or from Milford Sound.
“Every time a car stops in an avalanche zone, they are putting not just themselves, but also other road users and road maintenance crews, at risk because as a result they too may have to stop in an avalanche zone.
“If the risk gets too high we have to close the road. So by making sure that motorists are fully prepared for driving the route, the kiosk will help us keep the road to this tourist icon open.”
Mr O'Cain said after the kiosk had operated this winter, Transit would seek feedback from industry groups representing bus and rental car companies, regular users of the road and local communities and review the future operation of the kiosk.
Construction of the kiosk is underway and will be finished by the end of this month, in time for the avalanche season.
For further information contact:
Mike O'Cain
Transit regional manager
Cell: 021 435 954
Janice Wilson
Transit senior communications advisor
Tel: 04 496 6643
Cell: 027 3266545
Visit us at www.transit.govt.nz
FAQs - SH94 Milford Road kiosk
Q. Why has Transit decided to operate a kiosk on the Milford Road
A. Transit has been working closely with the Police and the Bus and Coach Association, amongst others, to keep the Milford Road safe and accessible as traffic volumes grow. Establishing a kiosk is one of the ways we are doing this.
Q. Will every vehicle have to stop at the kiosk
A. Most vehicles will need to stop at the kiosk. Bus drivers who are accredited as part of the Transit/NZ Bus and Coach Association programme to improve bus safety on the Milford Road will be allowed to bypass the kiosk, as will regular users of the road.
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