Walna Scar Road near Coniston is now closed to motorised traffic. Photo: Ian Greig CC-BY-SA-2.0
Police in a national park are appealing to walkers to be on the lookout for anyone they suspect of off-roading illegally.
The call comes as Cumbria Constabulary steps up its efforts to crack down on trail riders who are causing damage and disruption in the Lake District.
Police officers have issued warnings and trail-bike groups have been speaking to trail riders in the national park to inform the minority who illegally ride that, not only is their activity illegal, dangerous and inconsiderate to other users; it is also causing damage to agricultural land.
Police said important wildlife habitats are being damaged, the activity is causing a disturbance and distress to local communities and the safety of other countryside users and visitors is being compromised.
PC Michelle Milburn said: “This illegal riding is of great concern to off-road user groups who have worked hard to build up good relationships with landowners and communities to carry on the long history and tradition of organised events and legal activity in the Lake District national park.
“Police officers have been working hard as part of a multi-agency group to try and reduce the number of incidents and offences being reported to us.
“We have found that the vast majority of trail riders take care and ride responsibly and courteously, which is recognised by both Cumbria Police and the National Park. However, there are a number of riders in the South Lakes area that get involved in illegal riding.
“Last Thursday, two people were riding on a bridleway where police officers were working with national park rangers.
“These men were stopped, issued with fixed penalty tickets and given advice and direction on where they can ride.”
Police are advising trail-bike riders to get advice from organised groups such as the Trail Riders Fellowship and research where the green roads are in the Lake District before heading out onto the fells or in the national park.
Cumbria County Council’s website has details.
PC Milburn added: “We know there will be no quick fixes, but there is a determination across police, local communities and partner agencies to clamp down on this issue because of the danger it presents and the distress it causes.
“Cumbria police and partner agencies will be out on the fells to detect and report incidents and will seek to prosecute offenders. Not only will riders be given fixed penalty tickets – they could also face having their vehicles seized by police.
“Cumbria Constabulary is committed to working with local communities and partner agencies to combat the issue of irresponsible riders and drivers who take part in illegal off-roading.
“We are appealing to all walkers to be vigilant and record any details of people you suspect to be riding or driving illegally and report your suspicions to us on 0845 33 00 247.”
