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4x4s get seasonal ban from The Ridgeway

Submitted by vicky on Wednesday, 24 March 2004  Page Views: 6097

Environment

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Ridgeway
Ridgeway submitted by vicky : The start of the Ridgeway at Overton Hill near Avebury. One of the Overton Hill barrows can be seen to the right of the track. (Vote or comment on this photo)
Drivers of 4X4 vehicles are to be banned from using parts of Britain’s oldest known road this winter. Quadbikes, trail bikes and off-road cars will face a seasonal ban from vulnerable sections of the ancient Ridgeway which runs from Wiltshire to Buckinghamshire.

The “mudlarks” have been blamed for causing ruts in the 85-mile route, which is thought to be at least 6,000-years-old and was used by prehistoric man.

The implementation follows meetings with rural affairs minister Alun Michael and campaigners who have sought a complete ban on vehicles since 1983.

Among those pressing for the ban have been mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington.

Thames Valley Police has been carrying out special patrols in Oxfordshire recently to catch irresponsible off-road thrill seekers tearing up the track.

But off-road enthusiasts such as the Land Access and Recreation Association say they are a small minority and have been victimised. They claim farmers and horses cause more damage.

Ian Ritchie, chairman of the Friends Of The Ridgeway, said: “A voluntary code of respect has been in operation on the Ridgeway for 10 years but has plainly not been working.

“This ban is excellent news for all walkers, horse riders and cyclists who wish to enjoy the Ridgeway in peace, free from the ruts and mud that make the trail hazardous and unpleasant.

“Although a seasonal ban falls short of the total ban that we have been advocating, it is a very big step in the right direction.”

Mr Michael said: “I am sure that this will help to make the difference we all want to see in order to protect the Ridgeway for all users.”

The Ridgeway runs from Overton Hill, near Avebury in the south, to Ivinghoe Beacon, north of Aylesbury, and includes numerous Stone Age and Iron Age hill forts and burial mounds.

All six councils along the route have agreed to the seasonal ban which will be imposed from October.

Source: The Scotsman 24/03/2004
Contributor Bio for vicky: Ex Megalithic Portal Editor, Co-author of 'Rock Around the Peak - Megalithic Monuments of the Peak District' and... More

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"4x4s get seasonal ban from The Ridgeway" | Login/Create an Account | 3 News and Comments
  
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Re: 4WD vehicles by Anonymous on Wednesday, 08 March 2006
im a new owner of a 4x4 but i also ride bikes and i agree that horses cause more damage than 4x4 or motorbikes i have riden down there on my bike and been kicked off because of the horse tracks that have been made...

i admit that 4x4 do cause damage to the trail if used in the wrong way but there are carefull off roasd drivers out there who respact the countryside and should not be held responsible for the actions of others...

i myself am waitin for the end of april when the ban is lifted so i can drive down there and have fun with friends off roadin...
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Re: 4WD vehicles by Anonymous on Thursday, 27 May 2004

I agree with Spindrift, as a walker and off road cyclist as well as legally riding a small very lightweight trials bike in the local area.

I find that the ByWays are a means of getting to places away from the endless stream of traffic. I often though find them impassable due to heavy usage by horses. The damage by one horse in one day during wet periods far outweighs any damage I have ever made on my much lighter transport.

Then when the churned up mud and clay settles and dries like artexed concrete it damages wheel rims and tyres on the mountain bikes and is impassable to walking comfortably for more than a couple of miles.

Often I have to resort to using the "trialie" to get to places as other forms of transport have been effectively blocked to me by a part of society who never consider those who cannot afford the luxury of buying and stabling a large pet.

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Re: 4WD vehicles by Spindrift on Wednesday, 24 March 2004
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The damage done by farm vehicles and horses is usually much worse than anything done by recreational off-road driving carried out responsibly. Blanket bans rarely work as even responsible people become alienated.
I have walked in areas like the Picos mountains in Spain where many off road motorcyclists use the trails quite legally without any problem. Most of the animosity is based on ignorance, as is usually the case when people start projecting their fears on to others.
Sadly, people look to minority groups to vent their frustrations. The fact is there are too many people using too few areas of accessible countryside. We need to work together to protect wild places and reclaim more areas for people to enjoy, whether on foot or on a trail bike or even on a horse for that matter!
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