Sergeant Stuart Grainger and the ranger Matt Neale
National Park rangers have joined with police to combat illegal fishing off the road after an incident in which two Land Rover broke through the stone walls to escape a police officer.
The incident occurred last month when two drivers were found driving illegally on a bridleway near of Settle in the Yorkshire Dales.
PC Harry Carpenter of North Yorkshire Police, said: “I was informed by members of the public who had a series of four-wheel drive vehicles on the banks of the rail, so I went there on foot.
“I saw five cars, but unfortunately when I arrived a few hundred yards away, two of them left the scene, smashing their way through stone walls to escape. They are Langcliffe went to High Road and joins the main road.
“The drivers of the other three vehicles were said.”
The illegal use of 4 × 4 vehicles and road bikes in the valleys of the most complaints from the public on any matter other recreational activities.
Now, the Rangers Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority have stepped up joint patrols to solve the problem.
The patrols are aimed at educating riders and 4 × 4 users how they can and can not legally do, and to take measures against illegal immigration and all-terrain vehicles and people using can not circulate.
The authority said that most of the riders and 4 x 4 users in the national parks drive legally and responsibly. However, a small number of irresponsible users cause significant problems and damage the reputation of all motor vehicle users.
Motorcycle were seen leaving the highway and causing damage to surrounding areas and warehouse disturbing in Upper Wensleydale and a number of complaints were also received from members of the public in Coverdale and Malhamdale on activity.
Ranger Matt Neale said: “The use of off-road vehicles in the country is one of the most controversial issues of leisure as a national park.
“We received more correspondence on this subject than any other leisure activity.
“Most visitors come to the National Park experience the special qualities of the area and away from the bustle of everyday life. Unlawful use of motor vehicles may violate this rule.
“There may be environmental damage caused by a vehicle is legal and trying to pass through sensitive habitats such as bogs. This can cause severe and permanent.”
Sergeant Stuart Grainger of the police team and valleys of Leyburn, said: “We are not opposed to legal and responsible use of ATVs and motorcycles and the National Park or Trail Riders of the investigation can advise on all-terrain roads acceptable for use.
“But because of the volume of complaints I received regarding environmental damage and pollution, we are now working regularly with our national colleagues to take action against those who use their vehicles or on horseback in an antisocial manner, or in places where vehicles are not allowed.
“This includes mule tracks and paths, closed to traffic regulation orders, the common land and private land, where the explicit permission of the landowner has been obtained.
“Offenders can face fines and confiscated large cars.”
This year, these joint patrols have stopped and checked more than 50 pilots and 4 × 4. Police also issued warnings to owners of several off-road motorcycles were used irresponsibly, near Semer Water Raydale.
http://www.grough.co.uk/magazine/2011/03/04/joint-patrols-stepped-up-after-off-roaders-smash-walls
