The NSW RTA have released a discussion paper proposing that 4wd vehicles be forced all to carry, and if required, wear chains in snowfields across NSW. Initial re-actions to the proposal seem quiet. Perhaps a simmering fury waiting to be unleashed, or maybe they’ve cleverly slipped the paper under everyone’s guard.

Currently all 4X4’s are exempt from carrying chains in NSW snow fields but the RTA wants that changed by 2010.

The motivation behind the move is a hard one to ague– road safety, but if seems that once again 4wd owners are being unfairly targeted. Across 2003-2007 there were 92 accidents reported on Kosciuszko Rd and Alpine way, with only 27% involving 4wd’s.

So if 4X4s wearing chains solves 27% of the problem, what are they doing about the other 73%?

In and interview in the Sumit Sun, local SES controller, Les Threlfo argued that having to stop to fit chains would add precious seconds to their response times. He comments, “hell will freeze over before I stop to put chains on. If you were wrapped around a tree, would you want me to stop and fit chains?”

There is so much more that could be done to reduce accidents such as increased signage, increased police presence, decrease speed limits based on the conditions, improve barriers.. what else is being done?

If you tour the snowfields in NSW and are wondering what this means – your looking at up to $2,000 for your own set, or if you’re lucky enough to have a Tyre size small enough, you’ll need to hire a set each time you head for the hills…

I just hope they offer the local’s some sort of rebate or tax incentive to cover the cost of something they are being forced to buy, and the community is widely consulted on the change.

The proposal has no impact on 2wd vehicles, other than yet again 4X4 owners are made to pay for their carelessness on the road.

You can download the full RTA proposal here

Have your say in writing:
Email: leigh_madden@rta.nsw.gov.au
Mail: Winter Tyre and Snow Chain Discussion Paper
Attention Leigh Madden, Roads and Traffic Authority,
PO Box 477,
Wollongong 2520

And we’ve love to hear what you think here…

2 Responses to “4X4 Owners Forced Into Chains”

• September 25th, 2008 David Morris:

  Have you ever tried to find snow chains for rubber 35 and up? Good luck

• September 25th, 2008 wyworry:

  It’s only a proposal so I wouldn’t jump the gun. I hope they consult with plenty of clubs and the local community.

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