National Parks and 4x4`s

[Bwana John]

In today`s paper there is an article: "Four wheel drive vehicles face being banned from off-roading in national parks under powers introduced yesterday to control "Chelsea tractors" on rights of way such as forest tracks." The Dept. of Environment, food and rural affairs said, "Some parks attract considerable numbers of recreational vehicles." A level of recreational use that maybe acceptable in some areas is inappropriate in national parks, which conserve and enhance natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage.
SO there we have it,the sour faced b***ches will be wetting themselves with glee.

[Russel]

[andysimpson]

That miserable cow we had the mis pleasure of meeting on sunday will happy.

[KevH]

John, which paper was it? just had a look at the DEFRA website and there's nothing new on there.

There is this http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countr ... id-tro.pdf which has been on its way for sometime now.

As of 1st of October the National parks have the ability to put Traffic Regulation Orders in place, where as before it was down to the county councils. It will be interesting to see if any of them try to close all routes in there respective park.

Hopefully more of the will follow the Lake District's lead and start actively managing the Lanes rather than just closing them.

[syncrosimon]

In Somerset we have lost all RUPPS and BY WAYS, only a few Unsuitable for vehicle roads left. I think it's just so crazy. A tiny minority of decision makers affecting all our innocent pleasure. We really have gone law crazy in this country. A gentle reminder is what most people need.
I hardly ever meet anyone green laning, my favorite track is on Dartmoor, a beautiful 4 mile long drive up a forgoten valley.

simon.
The government people clearly do not have enough to do if they have to meddle with the green lanes.
Losing driving along the Quantock ridge is a travesty, how can they, when it has been driven along since there were vehicles invented.
AGHHHH.

[ELVIS]

try and keep up at the back ! google nerc/defra/ crow act etc it hasnt 'just happened' sounds like some ill informed mong jumping on a very long and slow band wagon. i live in the middle of green lane meeca ! stones throw from sarn helen / strata florida/tal-y-bont/the gap etc etc . majority have been lost now due to reclassification of RB/RUUP/ORPAS etc . sold me 110 and G wagon and came back to v dubs!

[mud]

I have noticed that many byways are used by farmers and the ruts are unbelievably deep after their tractors have been through during the wet season. I bet they will still have access after any bans come in

[HarryMann]

The answer (admittedly coming to this in retrospect), would have been for a strong and united off-roading lobby to advocate that a wide range of particularly sensitive lanes, be controlled through permit, allowing registered clubs to drive them 'by permit'.

At a stroke, those overusing certain lanes, would be nipped in the bud, yet any one club could run almost any lane system, at some time in the year.

And leave the less sensitive and little known ones alone... without re-classifying them at all.

To be able to create a permit(ted) route, and charge a small administration fee, the County or National Park would have to jump through a few hoops as well.

A self regulating system would hopefully emerge, with sensible people at both ends, not nameless gnomes.

[syncrosimon]

Clives right, what it would take is a coming together of all parties interested in using green lanes. They are such a diverse group of people though that this is unlikley and our displeasure at the increased restrictions is limited to the odd rant on-line.

Speaking with cj recently it would appear that the TRF (Trail Riders Fellowship), who are one of the largest off road lobyists probably have some information on this subject. If anyone is going to make waves, then they will, and it wouldnt hurt to add ourselves to their campaign.

Having only limited off roading experience in syncros I havent wanted to bend I personally have never come across lanes where serious damage has been caused. Conversly most lanes around me are very overgrown and under used.

It would be a great shame if our off roading days were numbered. Especially as it is the syncros ability to get you and your camper/multivan/caravelle slightly off the beaten track for a nights free camping/cup of tea etc, and to get that sense of achievement in getting a slightly portly van somewhere it really shouldnt, that is so attractive to me in owning one.

I didnt realise that the gap in wales is uder threat, or lost, having just seen diamondhells syncros going over it was inspiring me to make a trip up that way.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=cy8DTSL1u-k

Better get them in soon.