Off-road drivers threaten National Parks

26 May 2005

National Parks watchdog the Council for National Parks (CNP) (1) today called for a government crackdown on motorbikes, four wheel drives and other "off road" (2) vehicles which are damaging the nation's most protected areas.  This follows a CNP survey of all National Park Authorities in England and Wales which shows that the increasing use of these types of vehicles for recreation on rights of way and over countryside is having a serious impact on several National Parks (3).  

Donna O'Brien, Policy Officer, said: "Our report "Off-road or off-limits? Recreational driving in the National Parks" coincides with the 60th anniversary of the groundbreaking report by John Dower (4) which set out the original vision for National Parks.  He envisaged them as places where we should all be able to enjoy a sense of wilderness and tranquillity, and escape from the ever present motor car, rather than as places to drive over challenging terrain in a four wheel drive." 

She continued "Off-road driving is damaging wildlife, landscape, and heritage as well as disturbing people seeking peace and quiet or making a living from the land.  Some Parks reported that they have regular convoys of four wheel drives equipped to winch themselves out of ancient green lanes (5), while others are plagued by scrambler motorbikes using open moorland rich in wildlife (6)."

CNP's survey shows that National Park Authorities do not have the powers or resources to combat the increasing interest in green lane and off-road driving and protect these special landscapes.  A new government Bill (7) may halt some claims for motorised use of green lanes in the future, but does not help where existing use is causing problems, nor in cases where driving is illegal.  CNP is calling for the government to recognise the special purposes of National Parks (8) by:

 Giving National Park Authorities the right tools and enough resources to tackle the problems
 Ensuring stronger enforcement of existing laws to control off-roading, especially by the police
 Introducing clarity where there is uncertainty about a route's status 

CNP's research has highlighted the different approaches in the National Parks to combat the damage caused by off-road recreational vehicles.  For example, the North York Moors National Park Authority and North Yorkshire and Cleveland Police have targeted "hotspots" of illegal motorcycle use.  In the Yorkshire Dales, temporary bans have been introduced on four ancient green lanes which had been badly damaged.  Such initiatives, along with voluntary controls and education in conduct for drivers, can make a difference, but the National Parks need the support of government in achieving a long term solution to the problems.

CNP's call for effective control of off-road recreational driving in National Parks is strongly endorsed by Michael Dower, son of John Dower and himself a former National Park Officer of the Peak District and former Director General of the Countryside Commission (9).   

He said "Sixty years ago, in his seminal report on National Parks, my father recognised the need for a clear national policy of selective restriction of traffic in the Parks, and for the lion's share of routes to be set aside for walkers.  The formidable growth in number and use of motor vehicles, includng those which can traverse difficult terrain, is threatening the beauty, the eco-systems and the tranquillity of the Parks, and causing growing conflict with other users and severe costs to the Park Authorities.  The Government must now act to sort out this mess, in the interests of all users, including the recreational drivers themselves".

Notes to Editors

1.              The Council for National Parks is the national charity that works to protect and enhance the National Parks of England and Wales, and areas that merit National Park status, and promote understanding and quiet enjoyment of them for the benefit of all.

2.              Although "off-road" is a misnomer where motor vehicles are on routes with vehicular rights, the term is used generically to include four wheel drives, scrambler, trail and quad bikes which are used both on unsurfaced rights of way and over countryside.

3.              CNP's publication "Off-road or off-limits? Recreational driving in the National Parks" shows that the legal and illegal use of recreational motor vehicles on rights of way and the countryside is a significant issue for the Brecon Beacons, Exmoor, Lake District, Northumberland, North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Parks as well as in the proposed South Downs National Park.

4.              The Dower report set out the original vision for the National Parks and was published in May 1945.  It proposed the original list of areas to be designated as National Parks, including the Brecon Beacons, Exmoor, Lake District, Northumberland (then called The Roman Wall) and Yorkshire Dales (then called Craven Pennines)

5.              "Green lane" is a descriptive term often given to those highways and byways which date from the times of old carriage routes or packhorse trails, have been left untarmaced and are an essential part of the rights of way network used by walkers, cyclists, horseriders and carriage drivers.

6.              An example of illegal use is in the North York Moors National Park. Groups of motorcyclists ride over National Trust land at Roseberry Topping, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and so protected for its wildlife value, as well as the Cleveland Way National Trail well used by walkers. 

7.              The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill was published on 19 May 2005 and proposes that in the future claims for rights of way with motorised access which are based on past use by a horse drawn vehicle or carriage will be curtailed.

8.        The twin purposes of National Parks as expressed under Section 5 of the 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act (as amended by Section 61 of the Environment Act 1995) are:

·         Conservation and enhancement of natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage; and

·         The promotion of opportunities for public understanding and enjoyment of the Park's special qualities

9.              The Countryside Commission (formerly National Parks Commission) was established in 1949 as the government's advisors on National Parks, amongst other issues, and in 1999 merged with Rural Development Commission to become the Countryside Agency.

Contact:           Ruth Chambers, Head of Policy, Tel 020 7924 4077 ext. 222

For press queries please contact:
Ruth Chambers, Head of Policy on
020 7924 4077 ext. 222