Police release Operation "Gassit" for the GP

roundman58 · Post by **roundman58** » Sat Sep 02, 2006 10:48 am

1 September 2006

2006 MOTOR GP OPERATION LAUNCHED

The 2006 Moto Grand Prix at Phillip Island, which usually occurs in October, will this year take place on Sunday 17 September.

Police are reminding motorcyclists travelling to the event that some road closures from the snow season will still be in place at the time of this year’s Grand Prix.

Road Safety Advisor Senior Sergeant Bill Gore said every year, thousands of motorcyclists travel locally and interstate through Victoria to the Moto Grand Prix. A large majority of these traverse the Victorian High Country.

“The Grand Prix will occur in September and at this time hazardous road restrictions are still in place on roads crossing the Victorian snowfields due to snow fall,” he said.

“Police are asking motorcyclists to plan their trips around the snowfields to avoid any inconvenience. For safety reasons, no motorcyclists will be granted entry to the snowfields and they will be asked to turn around.”

Senior Sergeant Gore said police will again conduct Operation Gassit, which aims to enhance road safety conditions for motorcyclists who travel to the event.

“In 2004 there were two motorcyclist fatalities in this region and in 2005 there was one. All were travelling to or from the Grand Prix,” he said.

“The operation involves a highly visible police presence and combines resources from Regions 4 and 5 in an effort to ensure that motorcyclists travelling to Phillip Island do so in a reasonable and safe manner.

“While enforcement is one part of the operation, our primary aim is to get motorcyclists to and from the Grand Prix alive.”

Operation Gassit will run from September 13 to September 19.

This year, 25 motorcyclists have been fatally injured on Victorian roads, compared with 28 at the same time last year.

Two pillion passengers have also died this year, compared with none last year.

ENDS

Nanna10r · Post by **Nanna10r** » Sat Sep 02, 2006 7:10 pm

Well that Fugged that, just as well WE aren't going Cause that would of Seen a dummy spit of monumental proportions.

Considering the police pressence in the snowies last year, (blitzing Jindabyne & hiding in the bushes at various other spots) it effectively saw a 100% increase in fatalities. That's an effective use of resources for sure

Neka79 · Post by **Neka79** » Sun Sep 03, 2006 8:30 pm

Pontikat wrote:Well that Fugged that, just as well WE aren't going Cause that would of Seen a dummy spit of monumental proportions.

Considering the police pressence in the snowies last year, (blitzing Jindabyne & hiding in the bushes at various other spots) it effectively saw a 100% increase in fatalities. That's an effective use of resources for sure

not goin at all mate?? not even flying down?? or driving?? or sitting on the shoulders of a 8yo with a big cape pretending to be a grown up??

MrStompy · Post by **MrStompy** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 9:58 am

hey roundman.

where did you get this info?

im trying to search for details on specific roads that will be closed and i cant find anything.

im assuming roads like the alpine way to kanchoban will be closed and hotham etc but i want to make sure none of the other roads i want are going to be closed.

thanks

roundman58 · Post by **roundman58** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 9:53 pm

The information came as a press release from Vic Police, via the President of the MRAA. And I have seen the original media release, and what I posted is verbatim.
And from what I understand "Gassit" is the unofficial operational name.
Not sure what roads they are exactly talking about, but I would suspect Snowy River Road; Omeo Highway;Great Alpine Road; possibly Bonang Road and a slew of lesser Alpine roads would closed to through traffic at this time of year.
Would suggest Monaro Highway or Princes Highway the most popular routes.

MrStompy · Post by **MrStompy** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 10:06 pm

roundman58 wrote:The information came as a press release from Vic Police, via the President of the MRAA. And I have seen the original media release, and what I posted is verbatim.

thanks mate
ive gone back over my route and changed the alpine way (NSW) stuff and i think we are avoiding any Vic ski fields so hopefully we will steer clear of any road closures.

Riding motorcycles and snow/ice probably doesnt mix too well

BTW i hope my post didnt sound like i didnt believe you - cause i did - i was just hoping that somewhere out there on the net they had given specific road names etc.

roundman58 · Post by **roundman58** » Wed Sep 06, 2006 9:40 am

My understanding from emails received yesterday, is that any road that is closed to all vehicles or requires the fitting of chains during the snow season will be closed to motorcyclists.
Whilst the Great Alpine Road may be open to vehicles with chains, motorcycles will be turned back.

Phil · Post by **Phil** » Wed Sep 06, 2006 11:18 am

roundman58 wrote:My understanding from emails received yesterday, is that any road that is closed to all vehicles or requires the fitting of chains during the snow season will be closed to motorcyclists.
Whilst the Great Alpine Road may be open to vehicles with chains, motorcycles will be turned back.

i've got a chain on my bike

, they should just be turning away bmw riders.....

SenNey · Post by **SenNey** » Wed Sep 06, 2006 2:14 pm

I can see why they are doing it, trying to lower the road toll.
After all we don't have the traction and chains that these cars will have.

And being GP is a month earlier, the chances of snow and black ice is higher.