Campaigners unite to save green lanes
[6 June 2005]
A wide range of countryside organisations, from landowners to
walkers, have joined together to stop damage to green lanes from
unsuitable use by off-road vehicles. The Green Lanes Protection
Group (GLPG) is formed by 14 bodies including the Ramblers’
Association, the Country Land and Business Association (CLA),
the Green Lanes Environmental Action Movement (GLEAM), the
Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) and others.
These groups have come together to support the Government’s
Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill which has its
second reading in Parliament today. Part 6 of the Bill
seeks to clarify on what basis it is possible to claim the right
for motorised vehicles to drive on green lanes.
If historical evidence suggests that a green lane was once an
ancient horse and cart track, that route (subject to it being
claimed as a Byway Open to All Traffic) can be used by modern
motorised recreational vehicles. These frequently erode the
paths with huge ruts; they ruin enjoyment of the route for
walkers, cyclists, riders and carriage drivers; and hinder
farmers and land managers from using the route during their
work. Even when illegal off-roading or damage occurs, it is very
difficult for the police to secure prosecution.
Currently, local authorities only have limited powers to prevent
motor traffic from using green lanes on the grounds of
environmental impact. This new Bill goes some way in preventing
the right to drive on these ancient horse and cart tracks, where
it is clearly inappropriate for motorised vehicles.
The GLPG has hard evidence to show that off-roading activist
groups are rushing to claim the routes as Byways Open to All
Traffic before the new legislation comes into force. This could
mean that virtually every green lane will be exempt from the new
protective measures.
The GLPG has reservations about some aspects of the part 6 of
Bill particularly as to the proposed commencement but urge the
Government to adopt the key proposals on the conditions under
which motorised use of green lanes may be established, and to
urgently implement the new legislation to prevent further damage
to an important part of our heritage, habitats, landscapes and
rural life.
Mark Hudson, President of the Country Land and Business
Association said:
“The key issue concerning off-roading on green lanes is
suitability. Unsuitable use of rural tracks by 4x4s and
motorbikes is a major concern for our members with over a tenth
of them writing to the minister last year to express their
alarm. We pay tribute to the Government’s proposals but urge
rapid action to prevent the measures becoming redundant.”
Jacquetta Fewster, Director of Campaigns at the Ramblers'
Association said:
"This legislation is not far-reaching enough. What is needed
from this government is tough action now on this destruction of
our natural environment. Any delay in implementation will allow
hundreds more footpaths to be opened up for motor vehicle use
causing irrevocable damage and shattering the peaceful enjoyment
of the countryside."
David Gardiner, Chairman of Green Lanes Environmental Action
Movement (GLEAM) said:
“There is no doubt that others will argue vociferously for the
rights of those who wish to drive off- road, but we believe
immediate action is essential to protect our green lanes, and
preserve areas of wildlife and tranquillity for all to enjoy. To
repair badly damaged green lanes can cost local authorities huge
sums of money - like £25,000 per mile. This is public money,
paid for by us council tax payers. Why should we have to pay
this sort of money, just so that a small, thoughtless,
irresponsible minority can exercise their 'rights' without
realising that these rights come with responsibilities?"
Ian Woodhurst, Senior Rural Policy Officer, CPRE said:
“The legal loophole that opens up byways for use by motorised
recreational vehicles on the basis of historic use by horse and
cart could fragment areas of rural tranquillity still further.
Recreational off road driving often ruins the enjoyment of our
landscapes for walkers, cyclists and horse riders and damages
the archaeology of ancient by ways. The Natural Environment and
Rural Communities Bill offers a really good opportunity to
prevent this serious problem.”
For more information on
green
lanes