Simpson Desert and UHF Ch 10

Ok people I have a beef. I know that this has appeared before in the forum, I want to know if I am being unreasonable.

We recently returned from a trip culiminating in a west-east crossing of the Simpson via the WAA Line. In the SA Desert Parks pack we were advised to use UHF Ch10, in that we call ahead to make sure we didn't end up bullbar to bullbar with a east-west crossing vehicle. We also noted that there is extensive signage requesting travellers stick to Ch10. So we did, and to our frustration we came across several un-annouced vehicles coming the other way at various stages of the crossing. Each time I asked them which channel they were using or listening to.

Invariably the response, we are scanning, what's the problem? And each time I asked them, did you hear us talking? Each time the response was, nope. I even tried talking continously on ch 10, to see if the other guys radio would stop its scan. And it didn't, it seemed it was a complete waste of time having his radio on.

So, I have a theory, scanning all 40 channels DOES NOT WORK!!!!!! It takes the radio too long to run through all the channels, and to pick up the occassional voice on channel 10 at the short UHF range in the dunes.

I know the arguements are that big groups can clutter up ch 10, but considering the short range of the UHF sets, it won't take long for a group to go out of range of the other group. I for one will not mind sharing a channel to ensure the safety of ALL travellers in this area. It's also fun to listen to the chatter, and maybe learn about the upcoming terrian.

I am sure that there are going to be more accidents in this area unless people take the time to either stick to ch 10 exclusively, or learn how to setup their radios to priority scan ch 10, while using one other channel.

Please let me know if this seems unreasonable.