| Following the introduction of new legislation and in light | | | | on the Park's website." |
| of growing concern over the amount of damage | | | | Neale also points out the potential damage that can be |
| incurred, North Yorkshire Police are joining rangers | | | | done to the environment by off-roaders, he said: "Even |
| from the Yorkshire Dales National Park in an effort to | | | | a small numbers of off-road vehicles in the wrong |
| stamp down on owners of off-road vehicles who use | | | | place can have a serious effect on the tranquillity of |
| them in an irresponsible manner within the Park | | | | and sensitive habitats of the area - the very qualities |
| boundaries. | | | | that draw many people to the National in the first |
| In a series of joint action days the police and rangers | | | | place." |
| will be ensuring that off-roaders are aware of recent | | | | Neale is also concerned about the physical damage |
| legislation changes, checking that their vehicles are | | | | that can be done to the area; especially during the |
| legal and coming down hard on anyone breaking the | | | | winter months when a driver will notice very little wear |
| law. They will be monitoring activities on public | | | | and tear on his 4 x 4 wheels or his vehicle, but the |
| footpaths, bridleways and byways within the National | | | | area in which he is driving can be excessively |
| Park boundaries ensuring that those using them for | | | | damaged. But it's not just damage from 4 x 4 tyres |
| recreational 4 x 4 activities are doing so within the law. | | | | that causes concern, bikers are in the firing line too, and |
| As well as a new leaflet produced by the National | | | | because they have the potential to be driven down |
| Park, ranger Matt Neale points out: "There is plenty of | | | | smaller bridleways and footpaths, also offer most risk |
| information available explaining what is legally required | | | | to other users of the National Park. Ranger Neale is |
| of off-road users and exactly where they can go to | | | | determined that excessive noise and damage to the |
| pursue their recreational activities." He believes there is | | | | Park will be reduced by this joint operation with the |
| no excuse for off-road users to ignore the guidelines, | | | | police and advises that off-road users stopped by the |
| or the law, and added: "The leaflets we've recently | | | | police who do not have the necessary licenses for |
| produced can be picked up from some petrol stations | | | | their vehicle will also be subject to prosecution. |
| and cafes in the National Park area, or can be found | | | | |