A seemingly innocent Government consultation on the countryside has been hi-jacked by various groups who will use it as an opportunity to stop recreational motoring and motorcycle in in the countryside.
A small but well-funded anti-access organisation supported by large landowners called ‘GLEAM’ says on its website: “The Government is consulting on its response to the review of protected landscapes and has included questions which give the public and organisations the opportunity to call for the prohibition of recreational motor vehicles on green lanes.”
In other words, they are looking to end long-distance trials and green-laning as we know them, and are attempting to get organisations such as the Ramblers to get their members to join in and get us banned from the countryside for good.
Will they succeed?
They could well succeed unless opposed, which is where we come in. The consultation is being managed by a former MP and large landowner (now a Lord) who has a track record of opposing public access to the countryside. We can expect no favours from that direction.
What should we do?
Click on to the consultation using the link below, and fill in the details requested. Remember this is a private response from you as an individual. The Club, along with other motoring organisations, is making its own response, so there is no need to mention that you are a member of the Club or any other motoring organisation:
You don’t have to answer all the questions: Questions 14 to 16 are the important ones and the critical one is Question 16, which reads
Should we legislate to restrict the use of motor vehicles on unsealed unclassified roads for recreational use, subject to appropriate exemptions?
The answer is obviously no!
You can use the space set out to explain that you enjoy motoring/motorcycling in the countryside, that it is good for your mental and physical health, that it constitutes ‘active recreation’ that it brings benefits to struggling rural businesses trying to recover from the economic damage of lockdown, that lanes are kept open for all by the occasional passage of motor vehicles, and any other reasons you can think of. Local authorities already have regulatory powers to restrict motor use where there is a legitimate reason to do so (while a route is being maintained, for example) so there is no need for more legislation from a Government that is supposed to be ‘deregulating’ where possible.
You can also question why this is being asked of recreational motor use only, when there is has been obvious damage caused on ‘honeypot’ routes through overuse by walkers and others? Is it discrimination against you, or is there some other reason that is not clear?
What if I don’t want to take part in the survey?
You can email your own written response to
landscapesconsultation@defra.gov.uk
Making your arguments in a polite and rational way. You could mention the long heritage of long-distance trials in the British landscape: The Motor Cycling Club has run the Edinburgh Trial since 1904 and other clubs including our own have been active for over a century; as well as the points that we have outlined above. Include your real name and postal address.
Can I encourage others to take part?
Yes. Your riding/driving friends are the best people to start with. Then, are there businesses like garages, pubs or hotels that you use when trialling or trail riding? Contact them and explain how a ban could cost them your business.
When do I have to do this by?
The consultation closes on 9 April.
Where can I find out more?