In a media release, the council said that for the first time, motorists who fail to fit chains in snowy or icy conditions on council-managed roads could be fined $750 under the Traffic and Parking Bylaw 2025.
The council’s strategic asset manager Alison Tomlinson said it was vital to keep the district’s alpine routes moving safely.
‘‘It’s important that motorists not only carry chains in their car, but know how to fit them.
‘‘Introducing enforcement will help ensure grit trucks can access and clear major routes as quickly as possible.
‘‘In previous years, vehicles stuck or abandoned in snow have delayed road crews and slowed efforts to reopen critical roads.’’
The council said council staff or contractors would assess conditions and determine when snow or ice had made a road unsafe.
Enforcement would occur when a ‘‘chains required’’ variable message sign was delayed, or when police, skifield operators, council staff or contractors instructed drivers to fit chains.
While the Crown Range road was one of the district’s more high-risk alpine route, the requirement would extend to popular access roads, such as the road up to Coronet Peak skifield.
Police would be responsible for issuing infringement notices, the release said.
