Police target traffic offences in Great Longstone and Eyam

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.

Sergeant Andy Wordsworth, who oversees Safer Neighbourhood policing in the Derbyshire Dales, said: “We are lucky to be surrounded by such beautiful landscape here in the Derbyshire Dales but unfortunately we have motorists and riders who illegally use 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.

“During out patrols, two 4x4 drivers were issued with Traffic Offence Reports for the illegal use of Leys Lane at Great Longstone, and a further three motorcycle riders were reported for construction and use offences at Pretty Wood in Eyam.

“We will continue to carry out similar operations over the coming weeks and months to target nuisance vehicles and riders.”

The operation, which took place throughout the day on Sunday, October 25, saw officers from Bakewell, Hathersage and Tideswell carrying out patrols on footpaths and restricted byways around Pretty Wood in Eyam.

The initiative was also carried out at Leys Lane in Great Longstone and Long Causeway in Stanage to prevent illegal vehicle usage taking place along the routes.

To speak to your local Safer Neighbourhood team call 101, the non-emergency number for Derbyshire police.

You can also follow the teams on Twitter to get the latest policing news in your community.

Follow @BakewellSNT @HathersageSNT @TideswellSNT.