Campaigners say vehicle ban is an ‘act of war’

The announcement came after members of the Peak District National Park Authority decided that a permanent Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) is necessary to “conserve nature and the quiet enjoyment” of Long Causeway, at Stanage.

But Mike Irving, who represents the Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF) and Peak and Derbyshire Vehicle Users Group (PDVUG) sees the latest decision as an “act of war”.

Mr Irving said: “We have got the message – you don’t want us and you will stop at nothing to see us banned.

“We have now exhausted all legitimate avenues and we will fight back in every way we can.”

Mr Irving also warned it was getting increasingly difficult to ensure that disgruntled trail riders, quad bikers and 4x4 drivers did not “take the law into their own hands”.

The Peak District National Park Authority’s Audit, Resources and Performance Committee chair, Christopher Pennell, said: “We have given careful consideration to a range of options including partial restrictions of vehicle access, but, these would not have safeguarded the area’s exceptional natural beauty and internationally important wildlife and habitats.”