Two more initiatives have been launched in the Lake District to deal with the increasing problems associated with both legal and illegal off-roading.
A campaign has been launched attempting to stamp out widespread harmful and illegal motorbiking on fells and pathways in several trouble spots in the Lake District. The Lake District National Park Authority has teamed up with Cumbria Police and motor-sport organisations to tackle the problem, which has increased dramatically recently.
The scheme aims to show riders that there are legal alternatives to riding over sensitive countryside, but also stresses that illegal use of land, footpaths and bridleways is anti-social and dangerous, and highlights the penalties for those who continue to break the law.
Fines of up to £1000 can be imposed and reckless riders face losing their vehicle or licence for some offences. Intentional damage to landscape or wildlife can bring maximum penalties of £20,000.
Trail bikes can be the cause of massive damage to rights of way, either
legally or illegally
Gatescarth Pass
In another move to protect the landscape from the damage caused by recreational off-roading, the Lake District National Park Authority has approved a plan to regulate the use of the Gatescarth Pass, a high level route between Mardale and Longsledale.
The route has been contentious for some time, with campaigners arguing that sever damage was being caused by over-use of the pass by vehicles. In 2002 a public inquiry was held to look at the problem of damage caused by 4x4s and motorbikes, and a temporary solution of limiting use to certain days each month by permit was implemented.
A long term plan has now been agreed which will see previous management arrangements continue, with the alteration that from December to March the route will be closed to recreational off-road vehicles entirely, safeguarding the surface during bad weather.
Find out more about the off-road debate
