Friday, 10 May, 2002

Some of the most ancient byways in the Yorkshire Dales are being turned into a battlefield by recreational 4x4 drivers. Will the Government act at last, asks John Sheard?

A TOP Government minister was last week dragged into a decade long row over the future of Yorkshire's so-called "green lanes" which, say locals, are being destroyed by 4x4 drivers and trial motor cyclists - for recreation.

This means that many miles of lane have become so rutted that local farmers can no longer use them to get to their fields - even on tractors. But the pro-4x4 lobby has reacted voraciously against attempts to ban them - and the damage continues.

Last week, the Rural Affairs Minister, Alun Michael MP, visited lanes in the Dales and the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and was taken on a tour of the damaged lanes by planning officials and councillors.

Their aim: to persuade him to change the laws permitting unfettered access to any type of vehicle other than local farm traffic, walkers, cyclists and horse-riders.

Jon Avison, head of park management at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, commented: "Vehicular use of 'green lanes' continues to be the most controversial recreational issue in the national park. The Minister's presence in the area today to discuss the issue indicates a willingness at Government level to see something done."

Planners are hoping to begin a trial of so-called Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) to restrict other traffic - but can only do so with Government backing. The Minister studied the problem and "asked to be kept informed" of any progress.

What that means I have no idea - but it does seem to be a shining example of a politician keeping all his options open. And with the Government's commitment to the countryside generally perceived as being questionable - if there is any commitment at all - we shall, once again, have to wait and see.

Could I, however, put forward a suggestion as a 4x4 owner who makes his living in the Dales, but who has never, ever considered driving it on a green lane.

We have hundreds of disused quarries, coal tips and other industrial wastelands scattered around Yorkshire where off-roaders could play to their hearts' content. Get them to pay for the privilege and we could use the cash generated to plant a few trees and landscape some of the rest.

And that might save them from an even worse fate: being used as dumping grounds for household waste as the country's supply of infill sites runs out...