4WD NEWS
NEW NATIONAL 4WD TRACK CLASSIFICATION POLICY INTRODUCED The ANFWDC has adopted this track classification system as a national policy with the aim of having all State and Territory Land Management authorities adopt this system and participate in the classification process The Australian National Four Wheel Drive Council Inc (ANFWDC) says it gratefully acknowledges the work done by Parks Victoria and Four Wheel Drive Victoria in the development of this classification system.
What is the 4WD Recreational Track Classification? It is a classification system for four wheel drive tracks on public land.
Why was the system developed? Four wheel driving is a popular recreational activity on roads and tracks across National Parks and Reserves and State Forests. The classifications will enable visitors to understand the nature of a track before beginning their journey. It will allow them to plan their trip for enjoyment, safety and comfort.
Who developed the system? Representatives from Parks Victoria, the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and Four Wheel Drive Victoria worked together to develop the system.
How does it work? A standard four level color coded system indicates the degree of difficulty of 4WD tracks and routes. Pre- visit and targeted information will be made available for four wheel drive visitors via brochures, websites and four wheel drive clubs and associations.
What criteria will be used to classify tracks? There will be six criteria used: 1. Standard symbols/signage 2. Terrain and track conditions 3. Vehicle suitability
EASY
MEDIUM
Overview Description All Wheel Drive and Mainly High range 4WD High Range 4WD. but Low Range required. Novice Drivers. Some 4WD experience or training required.
DIFFICULT
VERY DIFFICULT
Significant Low range 4WD with standard 4WD ground clearance. Should have 4WD driver training.
Low range 4WD with high ground clearance. Experienced Drivers.
Advisory Sign Green Circle Blue Square Black Diamond
Double Black Diamond
VERY DIFFICULT
EASY
Expected terrain and Mostly unsealed roads track conditions with no obstacles and minor gradients. Vehicle suitability
MEDIUM
DIFFICULT
Tracks with some steep Tracks with frequent steep and/or rocky/slippery/ and/or rocky/slippery/sandy sandy sections. track sections. May have shallow Possible water crossings. water crossings.
All Wheel Drive and Suitable for medium Suitable for medium High Range 4WD. clearance vehicles with to high clearance vehicles Can be low clearance dual range and all terrain with dual range and all with single range and or road tyres. terrain tyres. road tyres.
Tracks with frequent very steep and/or rocky/slippery/ sandy sections. May have difficult river crossings. Suitable for high clearance vehicles with dual range and tyres suitable for the terrain. (Mud Terrain tyres).
Recovery Equipment
Winch/ Recovery equipment required.
Driver Training / Suitable for novice Recommended that Recommended for Experience drivers. drivers have experience drivers with reasonable or 4WD training. experience or 4WD training. Recommended to be To be done in groups of done in groups of vehicles. vehicles.
Drivers with extensive experience and advanced training should only attempt as there are several technical challenges. Recommended to be done in groups of four or more vehicles.
Weather
May be more difficult in wet conditions.
Will be more difficult in wet conditions.
4. Recovery Equipment 5. Driver training and experience 6. Weather variations Explained further, these criteria are as follows: 1. Standard symbols and signage are used depicting easy to very difficult tracks. 2. The terrain and track conditions aim to provide a general description of the likely terrain and
Will be more difficult in wet conditions.
Will be more difficult in wet conditions.
have limited subjective comments such as ‘boggy’ or ‘rutted’ as these can be interpreted differently by individuals. 3. The suitability of a vehicle relates to high/low range capability, ground clearance and tyres. 4. The recovery equipment is advisory only and in line with Tourism Adventure Activity Standards and is not mandatory. 5. This is to guide the inexperienced driver that it may be in their best interest to have driver training or further experience before attempting more difficult terrain. 6. Drivers need to be aware of changing weather conditions and how this may affect tracks they are using or planning to use. The tracks are classified in dry conditions and most medium, difficult and very difficult tracks will become more difficult in wet weather.
How will tracks be classified? Trained assessors from 4WD clubs, together with National Parks rangers or other land managers, will undertake the assessment of tracks. Please refer to the table above to see the classification matrix. For more information on this policy, please visit www.4wda.com.au Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine Annual 4WD Magazine 2021
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