Illegal off-road drivers caught

Warnings have been issued to people caught driving off-road during an operation to crack down on the illegal use of remote rural tracks.

A total of 16 vehicles were stopped and given advice in the operation in mid Wales.

A draft strategy is being prepared to identify routes where bikers and drivers can legitimately off road.

Driving off road and on green lanes is popular in rural areas, but some say unspoilt countryside is being damaged.

The Cambrian Mountains pilot project is run by the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), and also involves Dyfed-Powys Police, the Forestry Commission, and Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Powys councils.

Anne Elias, from the CCW, said: "We want to communicate the message that illegal activity will no longer be tolerated.

"No further enforcement days have been scheduled, but more are anticipated.

"We want to roll out the scheme to the southern part of the counties," she added.

source
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/mid/7432016.stm

remember a few weeks ago, I put up a posting of a lane local to me that had been abused?.......

Well, I went up there the other night to find this

I'm glad to see that the authorities around here are doing something about it although I am getting increasing worried that this beautifull lane will be closed because of these mindless idiots :evil:

Great stuff

The first offence is issued with a section 59 then if they are caught again within a certain time limit the car can be confiscated and crushed and the owner issued with a fine.

i agree with all that i'm only 29 and enjoy driving through mud water thats one of the reasons i brought a 4 wheel drive, but if people dont respect the rules and regulations even if some of them are stupid there going to close more rights of way and spoil it for othe generations. not all off roading is about driving as fast as you can through mud and water as i understand it it's about the ability to control your vehicle slow and steady causing as least damage as possible. for a few quid and ten mins to join a forum like this you have the ability to go to greenlaning days and pay and play days and is far more fun .
all they are is morons :evil:

I have copied smiffy's post onto another 4x4 forum that i frequent .......the strange thing is ...that no-one appears to be interested in it :evil:

Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002. (as follows)

A or B + C

A
“You are/have been driving in a “
Careless
Inconsiderate manner
Contrary to S.3 RTA 1988

B
“You are/have been driving on”
common land
moorland
land which is not part of a road
a footpath
bridleway
restricted byway
Contrary to S.34 RTA 1988

C
In a manner which, Is causing, has been causing or is likely to cause
Alarm, distress or annoyance to members of the public
I must warn you that if you continue to drive the vehicle in the
same way
OR
If you drive the vehicle in the same way on any other occasion
within the next twelve months
Police can seize the vehicle under S.59 Police Reform Act 2002.

The police can then if the offence is "likely" to be continued, or "is/has" been continued seize the vehicle under S59 PRA at which point it will then be taken to an approved place of storage, it may then either be released on payment of a fee or surrendered and crushed.
Police can enter private premises (other than a dwelling) to seize the vehicle as well.

That means that IF your car or you has been issued with a S59 warning and the offence is re-committed within 12 months and someone records your number plate or says it was you even though you've ceased and gone home the Police can enter your premises to seize the vehicle (they can enter the garage but not the house (ie the other than a dwelling bit))!

http://www.camden.gov.uk/ccm/cms-servic ... _id=424900 <-- from here, just explained a little more.

--- basically, it means that if you go off the Byway you can end up with big problems ---

Si