The chase began around 7.30am Tuesday when the driver of a furniture van refused to stop at the RMS weigh station on the Bells Line of Road at Bell.

The van continued towards Lithgow with police attempting to intercept it and preparing to set up road spikes.

Near the Zig Zag Railway at Clarence the van driver diverted into the Newnes State Forest and with two police vehicles in pursuit continued along bush trials best suited to 4WD vehicles.

Approaching the area known as Blackfellows Hands near the top of Wolgan Gap the van stopped suddenly and the driver fled into the bush.

The driverless van then rolled backwards to collide with a Highway Patrol vehicle.

Police continued the pursuit on foot for a short distance before arresting a 35-year-old man who gave a Winmalee address.

The man was already on bail after an appearance in Lithgow Court last week on three counts of driving while disqualified, police pursuit, dangerous driving and possession of a prohibited drug.

He had been remanded at that time to appear in Penrith Local Court next Monday.

Yesterday Kane Drew, 35, of Winmalee and formerly of Lithgow, was refused bail when he appeared before Magistrate Michael Allen in Lithgow Court on charges arising from Tuesday’s events.

He was charged with breach of bail conditions, police pursuit, refusing to stop at a heavy vehicle check station, driving while disqualified and entering enclosed land without lawful excuse.

His bail application was refused and he is to appear again in Lithgow Court next Thursday.