I am posting the forwarded letter below on behalf of and with permission
from:
Friends of the Lake District Murley Moss Oxenholme Road Kendal LA9 7SS Tel: 01539 720788 Fax: 01539
730355 www.fld.org.uk
<Forwarded Letter>
Memo to Members and other supporters re off road vehicles DEADLINE FOR REPLIES 19TH MARCH
In December, DEFRA published a consultation document entitled 'Use of mechanically propelled
vehicles on rights of way'. This is available on the DEFRA website (www.defra.gov.uk) and responses
have to be in by 19th March. This document recognises that there are increasing problems being
caused by off road vehicles on rights of way, and that the use of many routes today is inconsistent
with their original use, i.e. originally for horse and cart transport, not recreational 4WD
vehicles. The document says the proposals "aim to balance the interests of individuals and
organisations with appropriate protection for the tranquillity and conservation value of the
countryside". The document focuses on the following areas:-
* Better awareness and enforcement of existing powers to manage vehicular use.
* Revision of the best practice guide Making the Best of Byways which gives advice on managing off
road vehicles on rights of way.
* A limit to the basis on which new rights of way may be acquired for mechanically propelled
vehicles, and the use of the category of restricted byway to prevent future use by mechanically
propelled vehicles.
We are aware that there is disappointment over the "low-key" reaction to the proposals from non-
motorised users, individuals and organisations seeking to protect the countryside from the damaging
effects of these vehicles. Those who shout loudest get heard, and at the moment off-road motor
vehicle users are engaged in a very vocal and intimidating campaign to protect their interests. It
is of vital importance that we do our best to support the proposals as a matter of urgency: without
action now the government may lose interest in tackling this damaging activity. Letters should be
with DEFRA before 19th March. Here are some suggestions for action, one a quick letter, or if you
wish a longer and more detailed letter:-
* Write to Alun Michael (c/o DEFRA, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR) to support the
consultation document proposals, and argue for tougher enforcement, and stronger controls.
* If you want to submit a more detailed letter to Alun Michael at the above address and also to
William Propert-Lewis, Countryside (Recreation and Landscape) Division 5, DEFRA, Zone 1/01, 2 The
Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6EB (he is accepting responses to the consultation) you could
focus on :-
* Support the document, particularly the recognition by DEFRA of the problems off road vehicles
cause in the countryside.
* Say it does not go far enough or introduce additional controls. Argue for a review of Traffic
Regulation Orders (TROs) so that they can be processed faster, cheaper and be more effective.
* Argue for National Park Authorities to have the power to process and implement TROs in their own
area, rather than having to approach the Highways Authority to get them to do it as at present.
* Highlight the problems caused by the lack of enforcement of current legislation and TROs by the
Police and that it is no good relying on the Police if they will not use their current powers to
enforce the law.
* Ask that DEFRA look to downgrading Byways Open to All Traffic (BOATS) to Restricted Byways.
* Ask for stronger powers to restrict off road vehicles to be given to National Park Authorities and
those responsible for managing Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
* Include any examples you may have of conflicts between off road vehicles and other recreational
users; damage to routes caused by off road vehicles, etc.
Many thanks for your time and help,
Ian Brodie Director of Policy
</Forwarded letter>
Posted By:
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Michael Farthing cyclades Software House