Park’s no parking solution as cars kicked from road to Cradle Mountain

PRIVATE cars will soon be banned from the road to Cradle Mountain’s Dove Lake as a new fleet of hybrid buses take over the tourist run.

A snow-covered Cradle Mountain. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

PRIVATE cars will soon be banned from the road to Cradle Mountain’s Dove Lake during peak visitor times as a new fleet of bigger hybrid buses take over the tourist run.

The new rules will come into effect as the Parks and Wildlife Service opens to public comment its draft Dove Lake viewing shelter development proposal and environmental impact statement.

A letter from Parks and Wildlife to commercial operators says that from October 22, private vehicle access will be prevented during shuttle bus operating hours — between 9am and 6pm in spring and summer.

PWS says the diesel/electric shuttle buses will allow visitors to enjoy the scenery without having to navigate the narrow, winding road. Vehicles accessing the park before or after normal bus operation times will be free to leave but only with shuttle bus escort.

“This decision provides for an improved visitor experience to the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area,” the PWS said.

“A new fleet of larger hybrid diesel/electric shuttle buses will be introduced to improve service, increase carrying capacity and meet Disability Discrimination Act 1992 legislation.”

An artist’s impression of the the planned viewing shelter at Dove Lake. Picture: Supplied

PWS said the larger buses would significantly increase the risks for all road users in the park.

“In order to manage these risks and ensure the safety of visitors, this change is essential,” a spokesman said.

Visitors wanting to access Dove Lake for short day walks will be able to catch buses that operate every 15 minutes.

Any commercial operator taking their vehicle into the park will need to use a UHF radio (channel 15) and a new swipe card system will be implemented at the boom gate entry to the national park.

The development proposal and environmental impact statement has been prepared as part of the Cradle Mountain Master Plan and is now open for public comment.

Proposed developments at Dove Lake include a new viewing shelter on the lake’s edge, a kiosk and bus shelter.

Three more public information sessions will be held at Cradle Valley and Devonport on Tuesday and Hobart on Wednesday.