4x4 Response

4x4 Response is a UK-based charity that facilitates volunteer 4x4 drivers who provide logistical support in challenging conditions for emergency services and other organizations. Founded in Norfolk in 1999, it evolved into the 4x4 Response Network by 2006 and became a registered charity in 2008 under Charity number 1126138.

The charity operates through 32 local groups across most of Great Britain and the Isle of Man. Each group collaborates with emergency services, including police, ambulance, and St. John Ambulance, as part of local resilience plans. Volunteers assist in situations like snow, floods, or rough terrain, often transporting personnel or equipment without special legal status.

Volunteers use their own 4x4 vehicles, which they maintain at their own expense. While some vehicles are modified with tools like winches, many remain standard. Volunteers carry safety gear and may receive training in areas relevant to their region. They contribute towards fuel costs but work unpaid, eligible for emergency service discounts through the Blue Light Card.

The charity's structure allows local groups to operate independently while coordinating during major incidents. Some areas have multiple groups, each identified by a unique two-letter code. Overall, 4x4 Response plays a crucial role in supporting emergency responses nationwide.