Off-road riders banned

2:56am Friday 25th April 2008

New powers are being used for the first time by national park guardians to clamp down hard on off-road riders.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park has barred eight ancient tracks to recreational motorcyclists.

It has imposed full-time Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) on the "green lane" routes popular with riders from Airedale, Wharfedale and the Bradford area.

The move has sparked anger from bikers who have been blamed for churning up the delicate ground and causing a nuisance and noise.

But Anton Hopwood of the Trail Riders' Association of Crave claims the ban will not stop rogue riders from using the routes and breaking the law.

He said it would just penalise sensible riders who obeyed the rules.

"I think the national park has shot itself in the foot. People like members of our organisation who use the national park website to see which are suitable are being hit hardest."

Jon Avison, the Park's head of management said: "This is a milestone decision for the national park authority.

"For many years it has been concerned about the effects of recreational motor vehicle use on a number of routes in the Park."

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