A MOVE to ban four wheeled drive vehicles from "green lanes" in the Yorkshire Dales is being considered by the National Park Authority.

But should the authority adopt any policy which restricts motorists from using tracks in the Dales, it is certain to face hostile opposition and challenges from groups representing the interests of four wheel drive clubs and horse and carriage drivers.

The legal status of many routes in the Yorkshire Dales is unclear and is often determined only after lengthy legal debate and time consuming public inquiries.

One such is due to take place in November, with locals fiercely resisting an attempt to define the route between Arncliffe Cote in Littondale to Malham Moor as a "byway open to all traffic".

Four wheel drivers have been criticised for the damage caused to some routes in the Dales, notably Mastiles Lane above Kilnsey, with considerable local opinion in favour of a complete ban on traffic driving on green lanes, which are usually little more than ancient tracks.

Now a draft policy statement due to be discussed by the national park authority on Tuesday at its meeting in Hawes recommends that the authority "makes representations to the Government for legislation to prohibit motor vehicles from all 'green lanes' within the Yorkshire Dales National Park except for access to property and on specified routes or users exempted by the National Park Authority."

The authority is basing its argument on the 1995 Environmental Act.

This states it has two purposes: firstly to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the national park and secondly to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the national park.

However, the Act states that where a conflict between the two purposes arises, then the first one must prevail so that the beauty and ecological qualities of the national park are maintained.

Twenty five parish councils or parish meetings within the national park have written letters to the authority urging a complete ban or severe restrictions on vehicles on green lanes.

The Yorkshire Dales Society has also written calling for restrictions on four wheel access.

However, Brian Lewis, from Ingleton, the rights of way officer for the national All Wheel Drive Club, said his group would object and was saddened by the move.

"The park won't be happy until we're totally banned," he said. "This isn't the way forward and will lead to more and more illegal use."

He called for a sustainable agreed network of roads managed by volunteers. He also warned that the move could prove expensive to the national park if it took over responsibility for all unclassified routes as it would be legally obliged to ensure that they were properly maintained.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.