Gwent Police officers are taking part in a series of operations at Trefil Quarry to stop the illegal and anti-social use of off-road motorbikes and quad bikes.
As part of the operation Gwent Police along with several partners, including: Brecon Beacons National Park, The Duke Of Beaufort’s Estate and the Tread Lightly charity have been working closely for several months to instigate the close of an existing barrier to stop access to the private road by unauthorised vehicles.
The operation is continuing over a series of weekends throughout the summer to educate off roaders and to inform which areas can and cannot be used – where necessary, legislation will be enforced – any unauthorised vehicles using the road are committing an offence under the road traffic act 1988.
The barrier was closed for the first time last weekend and will now be closed every evening and all weekend for a trial period of 6 months to gage the impact on the number of off road vehicles using it. To date, 30 riders have been spoken with and issued explanatory leaflets about use of land and off road biking. A number of commoners have also been engaged with and the vast majority are in favour of the actions being undertaken. The bridal way will still be open to the pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders.
The use of off-road bikes in Tredegar is currently a PACT (Partnerships and Communities Together) priority for the area and therefore the operation aims to restrict the damage and nuisance behaviour of off roaders while still allowing access to the area for pedestrian, cyclists etc. Those with lawful access will have a facility to access the land.
Tredegar Neighbourhood Policing Team Sergeant, Robert Petrie said: “The whole ethos of this operation is to educate off roaders to the damage being caused to the environment, distress being caused to grazing animals and the safety of walkers and cyclists.
“We want to maintain the access for walkers, cyclists and horse riders whilst denying access to the large number of vans and other vehicles attending the area with a number of off road bikes on board. So far we’ve had a great response – as one of our PACT priorities, this clearly highlights the positive work that can be carried out by working in partnership.”
If you know who is riding an off-road vehicle illegally, either on the road or on public land, or if you have any information that you think would be beneficial, then please get in contact with us. Phone Gwent Police on 01633 838111, or contact the Tredegar Neighbourhood Policing Team on 01495 233 965.
