There are numerous reports impending of Traffic Regulation Orders in that part of the world. I will do some research and see if I can find out what is going on, unless someone has been up there recently. The restrictions, if there are any, should be posted on a noticeboard at the start of the lane, some motorcycle only routes have been introduced. As usual the Trail Riders Fellowship are spending the money to monitor the mischievous national parks and local authorities who like to slip one in without the proper public consultation. If these TRO's are opposed it is amazing to see what shoddy examples the authorities use to try and shut these lanes down, they are used to no-one noticing and not getting any opposition.
Here is what I have found from this Autumn TRF magazine..
"As a result of a meeting Mid Wales Off Road Forum (MWORF) held yesterday (5th September 2011) I need to inform members of the following developments.
To clarify the position with regards to the Gap and Sarn Helen, Brecon Beacons National Park still regard these routes as Restricted Byways and as such:
“The Department for the Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Guidance on NERC indicates that it is for the individual to satisfy themselves that a right of use for MPV's exists.”
If you are stopped by a Ranger or the Police contact me immediately for further advice.
One positive development, Dyfed Powys Police have offered to convene a meeting between BBNPA Powys Highways and User Groups to try and come to some consensus on those routes that can be used within the National Park and elsewhere in Mid Wales.
Following the MWORF meeting a meeting was held with Powys ROW to discuss resolution of some of the longer term TRO's that have been in place in Powys. We were informed of two main issues.
Firstly: discussions have been initiated on a possible permanent TRO on Monks Trod for ALL users, including walkers cyclists and horse riders. This has not yet been officially notified and as such no official consultation process has begun. Please can I ask that you, that mean's YOU as an individual, write to Powys CC
mark.stafford-tolley@powys.gov.uk to object. Make sure your walking and cycling friends know about the possible Permanent TRO on this outstanding route.
Secondly a consultation process on the removal of the current TRO on the Gap road has been initiated. The argument is that as a Restricted Byway it is not now necessary. As yet I am not convinced as to the reasoning, for example with no TRO, use could once again potentially take place throughout the year. If that situation did arise, then it is almost certain that BBNPA, with their stated anti-vehicular ambitions, would introduce a Permanent 24/7 all year TRO on this route and it would be lost for ever.
Robin Hickin, National ROW Officer
BTW: the TRF will defend its members' right to ride on UCRs where vehicular rights exist. It has already got the CPS to abandon the prosecution of four members riding Sarn Helen. In balance, many more non-TRF members have pleaded guilty and been fined, but no legal precedent has been set either way. Please don't bother Robin if you elect to ride these routes, get stopped, and are not a member of the TRF. Pay the fine instead, and take the opportunity to reflect on what good value the TRF subscription WOULD have been.
So, if you are going to ride one of these contested UCRs,make sure of two things:
1) You are a fully paid-up member card-carrying member of the TRF: not one of those bods who hangs around their local group or the forum and never quite gets around to paying the National sub of £40.
2) You and your bike are 100 % legal and that you adhere to the TRF Code of Conduct.
I have a letter from the police who say they will treat each reported 'offence' on a case-by-case basis. Reading between the lines: quiet bike, responsibly ridden, current TRF membership sticker on display will perhaps be ignored where tossers on crossers will not.
On another note the TRF amongst others has saved the by-ways around Stonehenge from impending closure.
This is what the law has to say about the proper signing of lanes that have TRO's imposed.
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Traffic signs
18.—(1) Where an order (TRO) relating to any road has been made, the order making authority shall take such steps as are necessary to secure—
(a) before the order comes into force, the placing on or near the road of such traffic signs in such positions as the order making authority may consider requisite for securing that adequate information as to the effect of the order is made available to persons using the road;
(b) the maintenance of such signs for so long as the order remains in force; and
(c) in a case where the order revokes, amends or alters the application of a previous order, the removal or replacement of existing traffic signs as the authority considers requisite to avoid confusion to road users by signs being left in the wrong positions.
(2) The order making authority shall consult the appropriate Crown authority before carrying out the requirements of sub-paragraphs (a) and (c) of paragraph (1) in relation to a Crown road.
(3) This regulation is without prejudice to section 85 of the 1984 Act[15] (traffic signs for indicating speed limits).
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The signs must be both ends.
If it is a permanent closure then there must be a proper road sign.
It's a bit confusing, but in a nutshell read any sign at the beginning of these routes.
Simon.
) a day or so back about the police clamping down on driving there. Seems to be a favourite haunt of the not so well behaved brigade at the moment....