'This Arctic weather proves we need 4x4s' (From The Argus)

'This Arctic weather proves we need 4x4s'

9:10am Tuesday 12th January 2010

Print
Email
Share
Comments(44)

They are known as the big, bad cars. Four-wheel drives have been branded a danger on our roads but in the current cold spell they are proving to be the only vehicle to cope with the snow and are providing a vital service in our communities. Alison Cridland reports.

Drivers of 4x4s are used to getting flak from environmentalists and other road users for being behind the wheel of gas-guzzlers.

But in the last few days these unpopular vehicles have been offering a vital service as Sussex struggles in Arctic weather.

As normal family saloons end up snowed in or stuck at the bottom of hills, off road vehicles are coping with the treacherous road conditions.

Emergency services are relying on 4x4s to reach incidents in areas where saloon cars cannot get to.

Owners of the vehicles have volunteered to transport doctors and nurses to and from their work at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, in Brighton, and the Princess Royal Hospital, at Haywards Heath.

A spokesman for the Princess Royal said: "They have been invaluable. We have had a really good response."

Volunteers with 4x4s are also helping to deliver Meals on Wheels.

Now 4x4 drivers are hoping the public may start to appreciate the benefits of their often maligned vehicles.

Keith Scott, 50, from Worthing, who is volunteering to help deliver meals on wheels in the town, said: "I am basically looking for someone to help."

He is keen that the public understand how useful the vehicles have been to the emergency services. He said: "I hope it might turn people's opinion around and they may get judged fairer."

Keith, a roofer with time to volunteer during the bad weather, has already been helping out pedestrians he sees struggling on the icy pavements with the offer of a lift.

The father-of-two, who drives a BMW x5, says he has become hardened against the criticism he gets for driving a 4x4 over the past seven years and puts it down to ignorance and jealousy.

He has had his vehicle scratched and keyed and three windows were smashed while it was parked on his driveway.

Another 4x4 fan, Martin Long, from Worthing, who drives a Landrover Defender, admits that his choice is out of pleasure more than necessity. He said: "It is an indulgence but in this weather it is really important and I can live an everyday life.

"They are magnificent in this weather."

He said he has helped many drivers whose cars are stuck in the snow while he is managing to get around. He said the obvious main advantage was the grip 4x4s have on the road.

He said: "It is still dangerous on the roads but you are able to do essential journeys and not get snowed in.

"Up and down hills I have almost normal capabilities."

Despite being fully aware of the arguments against off-road vehicles in urban areas, Martin describes himself as an environmentalist. He said: "It is not a matter of what you drive but the amount you drive."

The 4x4s have been the subject of campaigns by environmentalists who want them banned from city streets. Drivers have been urged to switch to smaller and more fuel-economic vehicles.

They are also accused of dominating the roads and being a danger to pedestrians and cyclists.

They are also dubbed the Chelsea Tractors, a disapproving term for the middle-class who drive the huge cars as a status symbol to pop to the shops or go on the school run in congested streets.

While no-one argues there is a place for 4x4s on farms in the heart of the countryside, the "mum trucks" are accused of being dangerous weapons polluting urban areas.

David Ede, who runs Maresfield Garage, near Uckfield, a specialist 4x4 sales and servicing centre, said the vehicles are proving vital during the icy weather, especially on rural roads.

He said: "People running around in their two-wheel drive family cars are getting stuck everywhere. They are relying on 4x4 drivers to offer their charitable service to tow them up the road."

He says they are practical, safe, strong and multi-purpose and he cannot understand the bad name they have gained over the years for being dirty and dangerous.

David, who drives a Landrover Defender, said he had heard of drivers in Sussex, particularly in Brighton, who have had rude stickers left on their windscreens branding their vehicles "dirty and unwanted."

He said: "There are a lot of people out there who are bloody-minded."

Even opponents have had to agree that 4x4s are proving useful.

Ian Davey, Brighton and Hove's Green Party transport spokesman, said: "It is great that some of the drivers are finding a good, positive use for them in these challenging conditions.

"I have heard they are going out helping essential services. It is absolutely fantastic and they have their role to play in circumstances like this."

He said the Green Party was concerned that they were not the most appropriate vehicle to drive around towns because of their size, fuel consumption and high carbon emissions.

He said: "They contribute to poor air quality in the city. That is a real concern to lots of people who live in the city."

Would you consider buying a 4x4 if more severe winters are here to stay? Tell us what you think below.

Print
Email
Share
Comments(44)

Your Say YourArgus

Made In Sussex, Not Brighton says...
10:42am Tue 12 Jan 10

"Now 4x4 drivers are hoping the public may start to appreciate the benefits of their often maligned vehicles"
-
4x4's may be a neccessary and invaluable tool for the emergency services in any conditions (not just snow).

However just because once in 30 years they happen to be useful does not somehow suddenley justify all their disadvantages, for the other 29 years they continue to be a pathetic status symbol for the vaccuous few..