At the beginning of the snow season in June, NSW Police launched Operation Snow Safe.

Operation Snow Safe included a surge in additional police officers from across NSW deployed to the Snowy Mountains region, within the Monaro Police District, to keep visitors and locals safe.

General duties officers attached to Monaro Police District, with assistance from Southern Region Licensing Police, the NSW Dog Unit, Southern Region Enforcement Squad, Operational Support Group, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and other specialist units have been out in force to conduct patrols across the Snowy Mountains.

Officers have been targeting anti-social behaviour, alcohol-related crime in licensed venues, dangerous and distracted driving on roads leading to the snow, and risky behaviour on the slopes.

As the snow season reaches the halfway mark Monaro Police have provided a review on the season so far.

Superintendent for Monaro Police District, Commander Toby Lindsay, said a significant issue police have noticed this season so far is those who enter the KNP without chains, putting themselves and other road users at risk, in addition to the responders who must retrieve them.

“Prescribed Concentration of Alcohol (PCA) and drug driving continues to be an issue also. There have been 26 PCA and 82 Rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) detections since the start of the operation,” Cmdr Lindsay said.

“Other issues on the road include speeding offences on return trips from the resorts, driving to conditions. A significant number of vehicles are still coming off the road, including 4WD vehicles. People need to be aware of the capabilities of their vehicle, as well as general compliance with road rules, in particular seatbelts.”

Cmdr Lindsay said it is important for road users to be prepared for changing conditions when driving in alpine areas as road conditions may be significantly different on a return journey than they were when travellers set off in the morning, and to pack food and water just in case of delays.

“Take advantage of the various transport options available. Car parks are filling very early, use busses and/or the Ski Tube to avoid being turned around when heading up the mountains,” Cmdr Lindsay said.

“Drive to the conditions, stopping distances are reduced on snow and ice, remember to carry chains, ensure they are the correct size and learn how to fit them, the last place you want to learn how to fit them to your vehicle is on the side of the road in the snow.”

Some incidents of road safety concern this season include.

55-year-old male detected at 141km/hr in an 80 zone, overtaking vehicles. Issued Traffic Infringement Notice (TIN) and licence suspended.

34-year-old female detected at 117km/hr in an 80 zone. Stopped and returned a blood alcohol concentration (BAC)reading of 0.074.

34-year-old male learner driving a ute out of a Jindabyne licenced premises, returned a BAC of 0.049 (special range). Suspended and issued TIN for load issues.

Within 20 minutes, the same vehicle this time with the 34-year-old male (previously passenger) driving. Returned a BAC reading of 0.131. Suspended and issued with a mid-range prescribed concentration of alcohol field court attendance notice.

34-year-old male towing a car on a trailer detected at 123km/hr in 100 zone. Stopped and found to be disqualified until 2040. Issued TIN for speed and court attendance Notice for Disqualified Driver.

29-year-old male involved in a collision with a bus on Gippsland St on Friday, 25 July, returned a BAC reading of 0.237. In addition to this he also tested positive to cannabis and cocaine.

46-year-old male with young children in vehicle. Detected at 130km/hr in 80 zone, in a Kia Carnival people mover. Infringement issued, and licence suspended.

Cmdr Lindsay said with more of a police presence in town, locals and visitors to the Snowy Mountains do the right thing, unfortunately some choose not to, and police respond appropriately in those circumstances.

“With the additional police resources throughout the winter months, we are pro-actively patrolling in an effort to prevent and disrupt crime and engage with the community. Community safety is our primary focus,” Cmdr Lindsay said.

“Consistent with previous seasons where again most people do the right thing and take personal responsibility for themselves, police and licenced premises work together to ensure patrons do the right thing and, in those circumstances, where they don’t, appropriate action is taken.

“Police have had the range of requests for assistance and reports that we’d expect through a busy snow season. Monaro Police have responded to alpine search and rescues, property theft, assaults, street and alcohol related crime to name a few.”

With several alpine rescues already over the season so far, Cmdr Lindsay reminds backcountry skiers and hikers to log their trip with the National Parks and Wildlife Services Trip Intention Form, and to tell loved ones what their plans are.

“Also, plan your trip appropriately by checking weather, taking suitable clothing and safety gear and not going beyond your experience of knowledge level,” Cmdr Lindsay said.

“NSW Police Force and the Monaro Police District want everyone to enjoy the Snowy Mountains and surrounds and to do so safely and responsibly. Our police are out there working hard every day and night to ensure community safety.”