DRIVERS who go ‘off road’ in Yorkshire, causing damage to moorland and forests, have been targeted in an operation to deter them further anti-social behaviour.
Off-roaders who use motorbikes, 4x4’s and quad bikes to drive across the countryside were stopped by officials from the Forestry Commission and National Parks, in a joint operation with Safer Neighbourhoods Officers, on Saturday.
Several drivers were stopped, including two who had their vehicles seized for driving without insurance and another who was issued with a fixed penalty ticket for driving other than on a road.
The operation also aimed to deal with problems such as fly-tipping, bicycle thefts and poaching.
Inspector Tim Hutchinson, the head of Ryedale Police, said, "We are lucky to live in such beautiful area, but that needs to be respected and protected so that everyone can enjoy the forests and moors. "The message is clear – come and enjoy our countryside but do so responsibly or face prosecution."
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