General News
18 June, 2025
Range road rage warning
MOTORISTS who ignore traffic controllers and road closure signage on the Kuranda Range Road have been warned their licence plate numbers will be passed on to police.
A spokesperson from the Department of Transport and Main Roads said there had been an increased number of incidents of traffic controller abuse and red light runners at roadwork sites across the Far North district, including on Kuranda Range Road.
“We appreciate the volume of roadworks underway, on the region’s critical routes including key range crossings and tourist roads, and associated traffic impacts, is frustrating for road users,” the spokesperson said.
“There have been attempts by motorists to ignore road closures and the directions of traffic controllers. It is illegal to ignore signage and the direction of traffic controllers.
“This puts everyone in danger.
“TMR will pass on the details of those vehicles who do so, to the police.”
The spokesperson said safety was TMR’s first priority.
“Crew members drive and work on the same roads as everyone else and deserve to get home safe to their family at the end of their shift,” the spokesperson said.
“We urge motorists to slow down, stay alert, drive to conditions and obey direction for roadworkers and traffic controllers – help ensure we all get home safely to our families.”
Meanwhile, officers from Kuranda Police Station are appealing for information following an incident on the Kuranda Range last Tuesday.
Around 10.30am, a white 2017 Suzuki Grand Vitara was travelling up the range, reportedly tailgating other vehicles.
The Suzuki then stopped at the first set of roadworks, where the driver exited the vehicle and moved towards a 2012 Gold Mazda BT50 Utility directly behind it, before becoming involved in an altercation with the driver, and hitting the window.
The driver continued this behaviour for some time, causing vehicles travelling down the range to take evasive action.
Anyone who was travelling the Kuranda Range on Tuesday 3 June between 10am and 10.45am with dashcam footage are asked to contact Policelink on 13 14 44 and quote QI2500959055.
