GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION
PRESS RELEASE
24th January 2005 for immediate release
In a statement last week, Alun Michael the minister for Rural Affairs hasset out his proposals for new legislation to control the use of mechanicallypropelled vehicles on unsurfaced Right of Way.The Green Lane Association, while still studying the full potential of thatstatement would like to make the following observations.
The minister accepts "there is a place in the countryside for vehicles" and"many byways are used by motor vehicles, apparently for recreation, withoutany detriment to the character of the way or the enjoyment and safety of other users".
GLASS believes there may be a need for more enforcement of currentlegislation to cover "green lane" use, and welcome the news that enforcementof existing legislation covering illegal use will be improved. The ministersaid, "There are also places where motorised vehicles have a significantimpact on other users. The impact of those who disregard limitations ontheir use or act in a way which is offensive to residents, farmers, andother users is considerable. Partly this is a matter of behaviour ratherthan strict legal demarcation. This is not helped by "macho" culture in somegroups - reflected in some publications and websites which encourages"mud-plugging", or driving in large convoys on green lanes. The promotion ofsuch activities as driving in a 50-strong convoy through vulnerable lanes isnot just irresponsible but it discourages other users and it provokes freshcalls for activities to be banned".
To counter the claims by anti vehicle organisations such as the RamblersAssociation, and GLEAM, that all vehicular use is to be banned, the Ministersaid " Mechanically propelled vehicles should continue to have a place inusing and enjoying the rights of way network" and also "coupled with a rangeof management and enforcement measures will provide a sound, sustainablebasis for providing for motor vehicles in the countryside".
GLASS accepts the need for sustainable use, and welcome a firm and fair setof guidelines to decide the sustainability of any particular route.
Alun Michael also said "Where recreation is concerned, motor vehicles do nothave to be confined to existing public rights of way. A co-ordinatedapproach is needed to ensure that opportunities for sustainable routes toaccommodate vehicular use and managed provision of sites for off roadrecreation are properly considered,where appropriate"
Graham Hall Green Lane Association
PO Box 48 Huntingdon PE26 2YY
snipped-for-privacy@glass-uk.org
phone: 01354 677236 fax: 01354 677476