The crash happened at about 3.30pm when the vehicle hit a tree and caught fire.

The man, the sole occupant of the vehicle, died at the scene.

Deputy Commissioner Scott Tilyard said the driver had been in contact with police by telephone prior to the crash.

Police were attempting to locate the driver because there were concerns for his welfare, and had a vehicle in the vicinity at the time of the crash. 

There was no attempt to intercept or pursuit involved.

``Given that the driver was in recent contact with our officers, standard protocol is that Tasmania Police Professional Standards conducts the internal investigation and reports directly to me,'' he said.

Professional Standards officers were travelling to the scene.