4WD industry could face tough new rules

Australians report up to 30,000 vehicle-animal strikes a year but proposed changes could lead to the banning of front bars and likely winches and driving lights on 4WD vehicles.

Even before a public discussion paper expires, the 4WD industry has slammed it as being "initiated by well-meaning but misinformed people".

The heart of the matter is the pedestrian safety issue of roo, bull and nudge bars.

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development in Canberra is releasing for public comment a document detailing new front-bar regulations.

The document "Regulation Impact Statement for Pedestrian Safety Standards" closes on April 15.

The 4WD industry and allied groups are calling for all members to respond to the document via a survey questionnaire.

The Australian 4WD Industry Council spokesman, Matthew Frost - whose council is conducting the survey questionnaire - says the proposed regulations threaten the safety of Australians that drive vehicles fitted with front-mounted bars.

He says these are based on rules developed for the European environment and road conditions by the United Nations Economic Cooperation for Europe (UNECE).

"This regulation focuses on pedestrian safety - not vehicle and occupant safety," he says.

"By completing the 4WD Industry Council's survey, readers will help meet the need for current accurate data on the use of bull and nudge bars. Adoption of this overseas rule would make it impossible in Australia to fit bull and nudge bars, which are designed to protect drivers and passengers in front end animal strikes and other impacts. It may also ban winches and driving lights."

The Motor Trade Association in WA says while regulation reviews were welcome, "it ought to be done in consultation with industry and be based on Australian conditions rather than the European market".

MTA 4WD division manager Mark Wyncoll, who is working closely with the Australian 4WD Council and the AAAA, says most responsible aftermarket manufacturers of these products adhere to current regulations.

"These regulations are written to provide protection for pedestrians by generally ensuring bars conform to the vehicle's front body shape," he says.

"They address forward-facing bars and sharp design, and so on, and these are not allowed within the current design parameters. Aftermarket manufacturers have already addressed and overcome air bag compatibility and other similar safety issues."

The Australian 4WD Industry Council has launched a national online public survey to collect information from the public about their use of bull bars and nudge bars.

Its survey closes on March 31, 2011. The council will donate $1 to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, to a maximum of $20,000, for every person completing the questionnaire.

The bull bar survey is on the 4WD Industry Council website.