Campaign continues for responsible off-roading in the Peak District National Park

Members of the Buxton and District Landrover Club joined police officers from Derbyshire Constabulary and South Yorkshire Police and also Peak District National Park Rangers last Sunday (July 19, 2009) to encourage responsible off-roading in the area.

They spoke to the 28 off road motorcyclists and 18 4x4 drivers to make them more aware of lawful and unlawful routes and responsible behaviour towards residents and other users of the national park.

Operation Blackbrook was set up in April 2007 to bring together partnership agencies to reduce the impact of off-roading on the quality of life for residents in the rural areas surrounding Bakewell.

On the day they were given the "Staying on the right track" leaflet, produced by the Peak District National Park Authority, which offers advice and where they can go for more information.

PC Kevin Lowe of the Tideswell Safer Neighbourhood Team leads the operation. He said: "It was interesting to see that the drivers had come from as far away as Teeside and Birmingham to tour the Peak District tracks. One of those groups was a commercial company who provide people with the opportunity to experience off roading all over the country.

"The ethos of the project is not one of enforcement but of information and communication and all the drivers and riders were fully supportive of the project."

The multi-agency project days will continue but anyone who sees a motorcycle or a 4x4 travelling in an area where they should not be is encouraged to note the colour and type of vehicle, registration number, location, time, date and direction of travel.

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 or www.trailwise.org for more information.

To report unlawful off roading call 0345 123 33 33, or you can contact PC Kevin Lowe by email bakewell.neighbourhoods@derbyshire.pnn.police.uk. In an emergency you should always call 999.