Alpine pass could be closed to trucks

The Queenstown Lakes District Council is debating whether to ban heavy vehicles from New Zealand's highest alpine pass.

The utilities committee is proposing the Crown Range Road be closed to goods-service and passenger vehicles that exceed 14,200 kilograms, or 12.6 metres in length.

Heavy vehicles attending properties in the area or maintaining the road would be exempt.

Trucks would also be allowed to use the road if the alternative route, the Kawarau Gorge, has been closed for more than three hours.

Passenger vehicles would also access the ski areas between June and October, but only until 2008.

- NEWSTALK ZB