Just to burst my own bubble and happiness about finally getting my 110...
4x4 VEHICLES TARGETED BY FRENCH GOVERNMENT
The French 4x4 Federation has reported the French government is considering adopting a rule that would prohibit 4x4 vehicles from cities in France as well as limitations restricting 4x4 travel to routes or paths that can accommodate a standard two wheel drive vehicle.
As a gesture of opposition, a majority of French and some German 4x4 related web sites will close on October 24-25. A recap (in French) of the on going actions is available here.
Four wheel drive vehicles have become a symbol to target. While French officials would like to ban 4x4s from cities, they are faced with the question of how to identify a 4x4. The proposed policy is to make any travel unlawful unless the route can be traveled by a two wheel drive vehicle. The effort is clearly to create a situation where 4x4 vehicles will only be allowed on paved routes or specific private areas outside of cities. The expectation is 4x4 vehicle owners would consequently give up, given the nonsense of owning vehicles with severe operating restrictions.
Loss of ability to travel routes beyond the capability of a two wheel drive vehicle is likely to affect tourism and commerce built up around the use of 4x4 vehicles, with significant economic impacts. From an economical standpoint, 4x4 products represent a large number of jobs in tourism. The French authorities believe that restricting 4x4's will not affect their auto manufacturers, as the three major French auto makers do not produce 4x4 vehicles. The French 4x4 market is supported by British, German, United States, and Japan manufactures.
There are increasing levels of restriction on 4x4 use in many countries with the likely introduction of a permit system in both South Africa and New Zealand in the near future. The South African scheme will probably involve public land and some private lands but in New Zealand, it will only cover public land. Roads in New Zealand have a right of passage that is set in law so it is difficult to ban vehicle types, although not impossible.
The regulation of 4x4s on roads or in cities is difficult as many "cars" are 4x4 today.
--
John Stewart
Director, Environmental Affairs
United Four Wheel Drive Associations, http://www.ufwda.org
Natural Resource Consultant
California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs, http://www.ca4wdc.com
Recreation Access and Conservation Editor, http://www.4x4wire.com
Moderator, MUIRNet - Multiple Use Information Resource Network
http://www.ufwda.org/press/pr20051011.htm