Restricted By Ways

Measures to stop motorcycles and quad bikes churning up country paths were announced yesterday by the Government.

There has been widespread concern about ancient and, in some cases, fragile tracks being used by motorcycles and 4x4 motor vehicles.

The controversy has centred on the existing principle that automatically allows modern vehicles to use tracks if they were once used by horse-drawn carriages.

Alun Michael, the Rural Affairs Minister, announced yesterday that the Government would legislate as soon as possible within the parliamentary timetable to allow local councils to give such routes the new designation of "restricted byways".

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs made clear that it would not be reversing the classification of existing tracks that permit use by motor vehicles.

A Defra spokesman also stressed that each case would be dealt with on its own merits.

More details as we receive them

Source: Telegraph Online www.telegraph.co.uk

Issued 25 Jan 05