Proposed Vehicle Ban on Peak Green Lanes

© PDNPA

The public is being asked its views on whether trail-bikes, quad bikes and 4x4s should be permanently banned from two green lanes in the Peak District National Park.

Off-roaders on the newly repaired Causeway. Photo: Simon Caldwell, Aug 2008  © Simon Caldwell
Off-roaders on the newly repaired Causeway. Photo: Simon Caldwell, Aug 2008

A six-week public consultation runs from now until November 2 on proposed Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) to exclude motor vehicles from the Long Causeway, a 3.6km route between Sheffield and Hathersage, and The Roych, a 3.5km stretch of the Pennine Bridleway near Chapel-en-le-Frith.

Both are former packhorse routes. The Long Causeway crosses the spectacular Stanage Edge, following a route between Redmires and Hathersage, while The Roych track is part of the Pennine Bridleway, a national trail dedicated principally to horse-riders, but also used by cyclists and walkers.

The Authority says it is making the proposals due to damage to the areas through which the routes run, and the effect of vehicles on other users such as walkers, cyclists and horse-riders and on people who live nearby.

Trail bikes negotiate Chapel Gate track  © PDNPA
Trail bikes negotiate Chapel Gate track
© PDNPA

Cllr Garry Purdy, vice-chair of the Authority's audit, resources and performance committee, said:

'Both routes are very popular and cross some of the most environmentally-sensitive areas of the national park. These proposals follow a lengthy period of monitoring and attempts to manage vehicle use on the routes.'

'We have already sought the views of the highways authorities, parish councils, recreational user groups and environmental groups, the majority of whom favoured permanent bans. The committee has also held site inspections.'

'We're proposing these Traffic Regulation Orders to safeguard what people value most about these areas, but we want to hear everyone's views and will make a final decision in the light of all the evidence and feedback.'

These proposals are part of the Authority's overall strategy for managing green lanes. It has 24 priority routes in the Derbyshire part of the national park, 16 of which have action plans for their future management, which can be seen here.

The Authority is currently spending an extra £100,000 over two years to carry out the action plans, tackle illegal off-roading and improve communication with all green lane users.

Information on recreational vehicle use in the national park can be found here.

Comments can be made on the current consultation here. For any other queries, call the rights of way team on 01629 816290


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21 Sep, 2012
Not particularly neutral reporting!
21 Sep, 2012
Sick of people interfering with other people's pleasure. Just because YOU don't drive off road or don't ride MTB's doesn't give you the right to deny others the activity. What ever happened to liberty and freedom in this country? They are LEGAL rights of way and we should endeavour to keep them so. The same nonsense applies to noise limits at racing circuits - why should people have to face circuit closures due to "nimby" groups? The safety brigade will one day hit on climbers "putting themselves in danger" causing MRT's and hospitals more work, so let's ban climbing completely. Think hard before supporting these moves.
21 Sep, 2012
If you read the article its NOT about MTBs, its specifically about MOTORISED vehicles. The trail bikes they are referring to are not cycles, they are motorcycles. Personally I agree with banning traffic on the Long Causeway and other similar trails, it causes extremely heavy erosion (far heavier than that caused by walkers, mountain bikes or horses), and spoils their use for other people
Really? Just reporting what the National Park are saying; I've put no spin on it as far as I can see.
21 Sep, 2012
I think it might be the caption on Simon C's photo used at the top of the article that makes it seem not quite neutral!
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