Using vehicles on green lanes is an emotive subject, and the land access & Recreation Association (LARA) has published the following 4×4 etiquette code so that off-road drivers can co-exist happily with other sections of the community.
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- Use only vehicular rights of way, not all green roads have vehicular rights
- Keep to the defined track. Only detour to pass immovable obstructions. Report any obstructions (including low branches) to the Highway Authority.
- Travel at a quiet and unobtrusive pace and when travelling in groups keep to a small number
- Ensure your vehicle and yourself are fully road-legal
- Pay attention to the 4W’s
Weather Do not travel on green roads when they risk being damaged beyond the point of natural recovery when the weather improves.
Weight Don not use Roads which may be seriously damaged by the wheel pressure applied by your vehicle
Width Do not use roads that are too narrow for your vehicle. Avoid damage to trees, hedgerows and boundaries.
Winches Use only when unavoidable. Your priority should be to avoid damage to the environment.
- Respect the life of the countryside. Be courteous to other road users including walkers and cyclists and take great care when passing horse. Be prepared to stop your engine. Always fasten gates and take care near livestock.
- Remember that wildlife faces many threats and green roads can be valuable habitats.
This is a precis of the full 4×4 etiquette code issued by LARA. For more information see their website here www.laragb.org
To learn 4×4 driving skills without driving miles around the countryside, Drive-Tech have a series of courses to get you up to speed in no time. Our prices start from £99. Please contact the team at the Drive-Tech office for more information.
