FRUSTRATION OVER ‘SNOW TOURISTS’ IN THE SALLY GAP
‘SNOW tourists’ are being warned to stay away from the Sally Gap at times when it is closed due to heavy snow and icy conditions.
The Gap was closed for a period last weekend because the road was considered too dangerous to drive along due to snowfall.
In previous years, so called ‘snow tourists’ have been accused of hampering efforts to clear the snow in upland areas by driving around to see how bad the conditions are, often resulting in their vehicles getting stuck and requiring the assistance of Mountain Rescue services.
Speaking at the December meeting of Wicklow Municipal District, District Engineer Kevin Scanlon said some motorists choose to ignore signage informing them that the road is closed due to treacherous conditions.
‘Even when the Sally Gap is closed, you still have the usual “snow tourists” going up the Gap. Some people are genuinely trying to commute back home and get caught out. But there are also instances of families removing barriers and bollards and heading out to the Gap where they get stuck and end up calling us out, or Mountain Rescue,’ he said.
Last year, some motorists were witnessed moving cones and barriers blocking the road so they could drive along the Sally Gap even though it had been well advertised it was closed.
‘The problem is the three or four cars coming behind them think the road is open again and they follow through as well,’ said Mr Scanlon.
Cllr Shay Cullen, Wicklow Municipal District Cathaoirleach, felt there should be repercussions for anyone who removes protective barriers such as potential Garda prosecutions.
‘It’s very tricky,’ replied Mr Scanlon. ‘When the Gardai and Mountain Rescue get to people, they do get a ticking off and people don’t generally do it again.’
The weather turned last Saturday, forcing the closure of the Sally Gap. Calls from stranded motorists were already being received by Sunday morning.
‘They go up to get some photos. Or it could be a mother and father with two kids who want to have a snowball fight. Last year, it was happening week after week. It was never-ending,’ said Mr Scanlon.
Cllr John Snell commented that five cars ended up stuck in the Sally Gap on Sunday.
He said: ‘We need some sort of barrier that can block off the Sally Gap when it is required. They have similar barriers in the uplands in Scotland. It’s something that needs to be put to the Council Chief Executive and the Roads SPC.’
WE NEED SOME SORT OF BARRIER THAT CAN BLOCK OFF THE SALLY GAP WHEN IT IS REQUIRED