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.
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.
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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