Call to action over 'roo bar ban threat

Outback drivers, 4WD enthusiasts, and off-road advocates are up in arms about the threat of proposed new Federal Government regulations, which could result in the banning of bull bars and nudge bars on SUVs.

The Federal Government is currently considering the adoption of European developed (UNECE) regulations governing the design and safety performance of vehicles that come into contact with pedestrians. 

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development in Canberra has released a Regulation Impact Statement for Pedestrian Safety Standards for public consultation, which closes on April 15 (to read the statement, click here).

The document includes discussion on ‘vehicle front protection systems’ and contains options for the regulation of bull bars.

According to the Australian 4WD Industry Council, if the regulation were adopted in full, there would be a requirement for every new vehicle sold in Australia to meet pedestrian safety criteria, administered via the Australian Design Rule (ADR) process.
 
In response, the 4WD Industry Council has launched a national on-line survey to collect up-to-date information from the public about their use of bull bars and nudge bars.

"The Federal Department has released the proposed regulation for a three month consultation period. We want to collect road users' views and report them as part of the industry response," said 4WD Industry Council spokesperson Matthew Frost.

Frost said the Council hopes to learn more about vehicle types, driving patterns and critical safety issues, such as animal strikes and other impacts.

"These Council initiatives respond to the lack of uniform data about the estimated 25,000 to 30,000 vehicle-to-animal strikes occurring each year across Australia. We do not believe that good regulatory decisions can be made without proper research and without canvassing all key issues," he said.

"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."

Frost said data from the survey, which will remain confidential, will add to a report recently commissioned by the Council to study animal strikes on Australian roads.

"For every person completing the questionnaire, the Council will donate $1 to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, to a maximum of $20,000," he said.

To complete the 12 question online survey, which closes on March 31, visit the 4WD Industry Council website.