MOTORCYCLISTS and quad bikers using protected sands at South Gare, in Teesside, face prosecution and confiscation of their machines or fines of up to £20,000 in a crackdown.

Redcar and Cleveland Council, Cleveland Police and Corus will carry out the joint initiative, which has been carried out at times over the past two years.

The problem has resurfaced, with a decrease in the number of motorcycles, but an increase in the number of quad bikes on the sands.

The riders are destroying a fragile habitat, which supports rare flora and bird nesting areas, and is protected by English Nature as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Protection Area. It is also listed as a Wetland of International Importance.

Riders who have been stopped in checks over previous years said they believed their activity was lawful, but police have warned that if they do not stay away, prosecutions can be brought.

Sergeant Joe Jessop, of Cleveland police, said: "I hope the increased police activity in the area will persuade them to respect both public safety and this important site. If not, we will work with the council and Corus with a view to possible prosecutions."

Ged Demoily, the council's community leisure manager, said: "We are committed to ensuring the public are allowed to enjoy all the features of this site in a safe environment and will continue to give the site the protection it needs."