Campaign to encourage responsible off-roading in the Derbyshire Dales continues

A campaign to encourage responsible off-roading continued last Sunday (April, 26 2009) in the Hassop, Pindale and Longstone Edge areas.

Police have been working with Peak District Vehicle Users Group, Peak District National Park rangers and Rights of Way Officers from Derbyshire County Council to give out leaflets and speak to 4x4 drivers and trail bikers over a number of days in the last few months.

The aim is to make them more aware of lawful and unlawful routes and responsible behaviour towards residents and other users of the national park.

It is part of Operation Blackbrook, which was set up in April 2007 to bring together different partnership agencies to reduce the impact that off road motorcycles or 4x4s have on the quality of life for residents in the rural areas surrounding Bakewell.

PC Kevin Lowe of the Tideswell Safer Neighbourhood Team said: "During the day we spoke to 30 off-road recreation 4x4 drivers and the riders of nine off road motorcycles. We advised them about the ethos of Operation Blackbrook and they were given leaflets.

"Regrettably one driver and one rider are subject to further investigation by road traffic officers over insurance irregularities."

Further multi-agency projects are being planned for the spring and summer months, as the National Park attracts most of its visitors.

Drivers and riders are encouraged to join an approved off-road recreational club, check their route with the rights of way officer's at Derbyshire County Council or go to www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/vehicles for more information.