NSW: NRMA patrols to cruise streets for Y2K breakdowns

AAP General News (Australia)
12-29-1999
NSW: NRMA patrols to cruise streets for Y2K breakdowns

SYDNEY, Dec 29 AAP - NRMA road service patrols will cruise the state's freeways and
major arterial roads in search of stranded motorists whose cars may have stalled because
of the Y2K bug over New Year's Eve.

Although the national road service organisation is urging people to stay off the road
when the clock ticks over to 2000, it said patrols would be ready to respond to any Y2K-related
problems.

NRMA road service manager Peter Steele said additional resources had been allocated
over the Y2K rollover period.

"Shifts are rostered, staff have been briefed on various Y2K scenarios and manual systems
are ready in place if there are any problems during millennium night," he said in a statement.

"The NRMA Road Service Computer Animated Dispatch (CAD) system has been extensively tested.

"Although we believe there will be no problems, if the CAD does fail, manual systems
linking call centres and dispatch areas should maintain operational readiness."

Mr Steele said NRMA crews had been rostered on to cruise the streets in case of "serious"

communication failures.

"Road service patrols who have lost contact with dispatch will continue to travel the
roads looking for and coming to the aid of those in need," he said.

"Beyond Y2K, NRMA road service has 80 years New Year's Eve experience and seasonal
hotspots ... problem arterial roads and freeways specifically targeted every New Year's
will receive the usual attention.

"We can assure motorists that we will be doing everything reasonably within our power
to provide a comprehensive service over New Year's Eve and the Y2K period."

AAP ls/bdm

KEYWORD: EVE NRMA

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