Police take action over driver using country lanes as 'entertainment'
A driver caught using Shropshire country lanes as lockdown entertainment has been given a fixed penalty ticket for breaching coronavirus travel rules.
Another motorist was given a police warning.
The pair were pulled over by officers during a special operation to combat illegal off-road motoring activities on farming property and along country lanes near Bridgnorth.
West Mercia Police said the initiative followed an increasing number of telephone complaints over the misuse of lanes in and around Quatt, Claverley and Alveley in the south Shropshire area.
Inspector Nikki Roberts, of South Shropshire Safer Neighbourhood Team, said the operation on January 31 had attracted a good response from residents.
“Motorcross and off-road 4x4 vehicles are travelling to drive the green lanes in the countryside as ‘entertainment’ during lockdown," she said.
"Unfortunately they deviate from the lane, driving over farmland, damaging crops, hedgerows, fencing and gates. This is an offence, completely unfair and frustrating for the landowners. It is also a breach of Covid legislation. It is not an essential journey, nor is it exercise.
“Officers from South Shropshire SNT have been increasing patrols in the area and are working with our partners at the National Trust, parish councils, county councillors for local areas, farmers and those enjoying the land legally, to try and deter those involved. Tickets will be given to anyone breaching the legislation.
“Anyone local that witnesses such offences are asked to record the registration of the vehicle, time, date and description of the driver and report it immediately either through 101 or through the West Mercia Contact Us page on our website.
“This is not the time to be driving many miles to partake in this activity. Stay home. Stay Safe. Save lives,” she said.
The police warning was given under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 and allows the police to give drivers a warning if they are reported to have used their vehicle in a manner which causes "alarm, distress or annoyance".
If the behaviour is repeated within a year the police have the right to confiscate the vehicle.
