GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION

PRESS RELEASE
24th January 2005
for immediate release

In a statement last week, Alun Michael the minister for Rural Affairs hasset
out his proposals for new legislation to control the use of
mechanicallypropelled vehicles on unsurfaced Right of Way.The Green Lane
Association, while  still studying the full potential of thatstatement would
like to make the following observations.

The minister accepts "there is a place in the countryside for vehicles"
and"many byways are used by motor vehicles, apparently for recreation,
withoutany detriment to the character of the way or the enjoyment and safety
of
other users".

GLASS believes there may be a need for more enforcement of
currentlegislation
to cover "green lane" use, and welcome the news that enforcementof existing
legislation covering illegal use will be improved. The ministersaid, "There
are
also places where motorised vehicles have a significantimpact on other
users.
The impact of those who disregard limitations ontheir use or act in a way
which
is offensive to residents, farmers, andother users is considerable. Partly
this
is a matter of behaviour ratherthan strict legal demarcation. This is not
helped by "macho" culture in somegroups - reflected in some publications and
websites which encourages"mud-plugging", or driving in large convoys on
green
lanes. The promotion ofsuch activities as driving in a 50-strong convoy
through
vulnerable lanes isnot just irresponsible but it discourages other users and
it
provokes freshcalls for activities to be banned".

To counter the claims by anti vehicle organisations such as the
RamblersAssociation, and GLEAM, that all vehicular use is to be banned, the
Ministersaid " Mechanically propelled vehicles should continue to have a
place
inusing and enjoying the rights of way network" and also "coupled with a
rangeof management and enforcement measures will provide a sound,
sustainablebasis for providing for motor vehicles in the countryside".

GLASS accepts the need for sustainable use, and welcome a firm and fair
setof
guidelines to decide the sustainability of any particular route.

Alun Michael also said "Where recreation is concerned, motor vehicles do
nothave to be confined to existing public rights of way. A
co-ordinatedapproach
is needed to ensure that opportunities for sustainable routes toaccommodate
vehicular use and managed provision of sites for off roadrecreation are
properly considered,where appropriate"

Graham Hall
Green Lane Association

PO Box 48
Huntingdon
PE26 2YY

graham.hall@glass-uk.org

phone: 01354 677236
fax:  01354 677476