Experimental Vehicle Ban On Dales Lanes

Motorcycles and recreational 4x4 vehicles will be banned from four 'green lanes' in the Yorkshire Dales this summer as part of an experimental scheme to reduce their impact on the park.

Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders are to be introduced by North Yorkshire County Council in conjunction with the Dales Park Authority, which lobbied for a total ban on recreational motor vehicle use under the new Countryside and Rights of Way Act.

The regulations will take effect in the summer after a two-part consultation process designed to allow all park users to have a say. The four routes haven't yet been chosen, but the Park Authority told OUTDOORSmagic that the most important consideration will be 'protecting quiet enjoyment'. That means routes in otherwise peaceful areas are prime candidates, while other criteria will include the 'sensitivity' of routes, for example, those crossing an SSSI are more likely to be closed and erosion considerations.

Motor vehicles cause major damage to unsurfaced tracks in the area, which although technically roads, were never designed to be used by modern powered off road transport. Anyone who has walked or cycled on the notorious Mastiles Lane will appreciate just how serious the problem has become. But the major consideration in the Dales, is how motorised vehicles impinge on other's appreciation of the countryside.

'Walkers, cyclists and horse riders all come out to the National Park to appreciate its special qualities, its natural beauty and peace,' says Steve Macaré, chairman of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority. 'This is increasingly being compromised by recreational motor vehicles and as an Authority we need to look at solutions to the problem.'

Apparently complaints to the police about recreational vehicle use are 'on the up' and this is 'by far the most contentious recreational issue in the National Park at the moment.'

Although the Dales Park Authority would undoubtedly like to ban 4x4s and trail bikes from the area altogether, responsibility for 'green lanes' and other motorised rights of way rests with the County Council who would ultimately have to take the decision. Expect a lot of furious 4x4 users and trail bikers in the Dales soon.