Illegal use
We work with the police, residents, and user groups to prevent illegal motor vehicle activity.
Illegal use may take place:
- on routes which carry no vehicle rights (such as footpaths or bridleways)
- on routes with legal restrictions
- on land adjacent to routes with vehicle access.
The highway authorities maintain records of the legal status of routes.
Police action can range from issuing warning notices for first-time offenders to confiscating vehicles for repeat offenders.
Green lanes are subject to exactly the same rules as a normal surfaced road. Users and their vehicle should be road legal. For example, they should ensure:
- their vehicle is road legal
- they are have a full and valid driving licence
- they are insured
- they have road tax
- their vehicle has legal number plates
How we prevent illegal use
- We investigate the legal status of routes with the relevant highway authority.
- We liaise with the police on enforcement action.
- We identify actions for sites with intense use.
- We liaise with the highway authorities over signage and barriers.
How you can prevent illegal use
- Encourage responsible use through membership of a motor vehicle club.
- Telephone the police on 101 (the number for non-emergency crime) if you see vehicle users:
- leaving the track to drive or ride on open land
- driving or riding on footpaths, bridleways or restricted routes
- driving or riding in a vehicle that is not road legal