Police patrol targets illegal off-roading in Peak District

Police patrols have targeted illegal off-roading in the Peak District National Park
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NEWS: News.

Safer Neighbourhood officers have been teaming up to tackle traffic offences across the Derbyshire Dales area of the Peak District National Park as part of Operation Blackbrook.

The targeted initiative sees officers heading out onto rural routes to prevent motorists and riders from illegally using restricted tracks and damaging the area for others to enjoy.

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Throughout the day on Saturday, September 17, Sergeant Andy Wordsworth and PC Simon Wolverson carried out patrols in the area of Cherpit Lane in Great Longstone and High Rake at Longstone Edge.

Over recent weeks officers have also teamed up to carry out Operation Blackbrook patrols at Bradley Lane in Pilsley, Long Causeway at Stanage Edge, and Leys Lane in Great Longstone.

Sergeant Andy Wordsworth, who oversees Safer Neighbourhood policing in the Derbyshire Dales, said: “We are lucky to be surrounded by such beautiful National Park landscape here in the Derbyshire Dales but unfortunately we have some motorists and riders who illegally use bridleways, restricted byways and footpaths, damaging the area for others.

“Operation Blackbrook is one of the ways in which we police this issue by targeting hot spot areas and monitoring those routes which are subject to Traffic Regulation Orders on a regular basis.

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“I am pleased to report no illegal use of the routes during the targeted patrols and I hope that this continues. We will continue to carry out similar enforcement days over the coming months to monitor the situation.”

Sue Smith, access and rights of way officer for the Peak District National Park, said: “We carry out detailed monitoring on the routes where motorised vehicle use is having an impact and we welcome support in tackling illegal use. At two of the routes where the police have carried out patrols this use has declined substantially since we made traffic regulation orders.

“It’s important for recreational green lane drivers and motorcyclists to understand which routes they can legally use and by working in partnership with the police and user groups we can all promote responsible enjoyment of the countryside we all love.”