Police and Park team up to tackle damaging off-road activities (From Western Telegraph)

Police and Park team up to tackle damaging off-road activities

5:13pm Friday 10th February 2012 in County News

Irresponsible off-road drivers and motorcyclists are being blamed for damaging a Scheduled Ancient Monument and common land.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and Dyfed-Powys Police have teamed up to tackle the problem and are asking for the public’s help to identify those responsible.

National Park rangers report 4x4s, quad bikers and trail bikers have recently been using land on Dinas Mountain.

They say off-roaders are causing significant damage and scarring to common land, destroying valuable grazing and natural habitat and leaving large ruts across the landscape.

Off-road vehicles have also caused damage to Glyn Gath cairn, a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Richard Vaughan, National Park North Area Ranger, said: “We are very concerned that some off-road enthusiasts are causing serious damage to an important and sensitive landscape.

“The common land owners and graziers have not given permission for the use of motor vehicles on the land. These drivers are therefore committing an offence, which is why we have asked the police to step up patrols in the area.

“Police have the powers to arrest and prosecute offenders and even confiscate their motor vehicles.”

Chief Inspector Andy John said people may be unaware of the law, but illegal off-roading is a safety hazard and has a ‘major impact on the environment’.

“We need to tackle this important issue before it spirals out of control.

“To combat it, this partnership is working effectively through the challenges, and if offenders are caught for illegal off-roading can have their vehicles confiscated by the police.”

He added that enthusiasts should use commercial motor sports sites, or join a reputable club specialising in off-road activities.

Anyone who sees off-road vehicles on Dinas Mountain is asked to note down vehicle details and contact police via 101, or call Pembrokeshire National Park on 0845 345 7275.