Off road riders targeted
Submitted: 06/08/2003 13:46:20
A joint operation between Surrey Police, The National Trust and Surrey County Council Rights of Way to offer advice about safe and legal riding and driving on Byways Open to All Traffic (BOAT) at the Devil's Punch Bowl and Hindhead Commons in Hindhead took place at the weekend.
The operation was targeted at users of quad bikes, 4x4 vehicles, such as Jeeps and Land Rovers, and scrambler motorcycle riders following complaints from other users of the common and residents who live in properties bordering the area.
Neighbourhood Specialist Officer PC Ralph Swindell and a team of other officers worked closely with Andrew Storey and the Hindhead team from The National Trust, to distribute newsletters offering valuable and useful information related to off road riding and driving.
PC Swindell explained: "We have had complaints from local residents and users of the common that some of these quad bikes and scramblers are being ridden dangerously and some are even been ridden where they aren't supposed to. Although we didn't prosecute anybody over the weekend, we wanted to send out a strong message that this will not be tolerated, as well as providing access to the right information. This is an ongoing operation, which we will be continuing over subsequent weeks and weekends. If the complaints continue despite these efforts, we will crack down even harder in the future."
The newsletter outlines current legislation in relation to off road riding.
Vehicles including off road motorcyclists and 4x4s are only permitted to ride on By-ways Open To All Traffic (BOATs), which are marked on maps and indicated with red arrows along the route.
They cannot ride on footpaths, bridleways or off road, and are committing an offence if riding or driving a vehicle on any land other than a byway. It is the responsibility of the vehicle user to ensure that they the right to be where they are. Ignorance is no excuse.
If members of the public see vehicles where they shouldn't be, they are asked to ring the police with details of the vehicle, including the registration number and where and when the vehicle was seen.
Before setting off, rider and vehicle must be road-legal as byways are highways and the Road Traffic Acts will apply. This means you must have a licence and the vehicle must be suitable for its use. Driving without care carries a fine of up to £2,500, between 3-9 points on your licence or disqualification. Dangerous driving carries a fine of up to £5,000 and between two to six years' imprisonment and disqualification until a test is passed and between 3-11 points.
A £20,000 fine can also be issued if vehicles are driven on Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the land is disturbed or damaged.
For further information please contact the Divisional Press and Publicity Officer for West Surrey
E-mail: 9452@surrey.pnn.police.uk
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