Off-roading drivers are targeted

Supt Steve Hughson and community safety officer Emma Davies

Drivers and bikers who take their vehicles off-road in mid Wales are being targeted by police.

A dedicated officer has been brought in to cope with the influx of visitors who use remote tracks in the Elan Valley, which spans Powys and Ceredigion.

The officer will target illegal off-roading and will also advise those who drive legitimately in the area.

The project is jointly funded by Dyfed-Powys Police and the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW).

The CCW is currently working with Ceredigion, Powys and Carmarthenshire councils on a project to create a network of off-road routes in the Cambrian Mountains.

Off-roading and green lane driving is popular in rural Wales, but some who take part have been accused of damaging the countryside.

Part of the attraction of green laning is seeing unspoilt parts of the countryside Martin Blythe, chairman of West Wales 4x4 Group

Martin Blythe, chairman of West Wales 4x4 Group, said he needed to know more about the latest initiative, but welcomed anything that "made things clearer".

"We do have a few members who green lane, but essentially our group does what we call trialling where we drive around a course at slow speed," he added.

"Part of the attraction of green laning is seeing unspoilt parts of the countryside. However, you always get a rogue element who spoil it for the rest."

Wales' four police forces have attempted to crackdown on off-roaders in the past.

'Confiscated'

Supt Steve Hughson of Dyfed-Powys Police said the force hoped to reduce illegal off-roading and damage to the Elan Valley and the Cambrian Mountains.

"We will be providing information and education to local residents, businesses and visitors to the area to ensure that people know where they can legally go," he added.

"We will also take positive enforcement action against people who ignore advice and break the law.

"This could result in vehicles being seized and confiscated."

Linda Ashton of the CCW said: "We are working hard to strike a balance between the need to conserve wildlife, landscapes and people's quiet enjoyment of the countryside and the need to provide suitable opportunities for off-roaders to enjoy their activity."