Public given say on off-road vehicles ban in national park

A six-week public consultation runs until Friday, November 2 on proposed Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) to ban motor vehicles from the Long Causeway between Sheffield and Hathersage. and on the Roych, a three-and-a-half kilometre stretch of the Pennine Bridleway near Chapel-en-le-Frith.

Members of the Peak District National Park Authority have made the proposals due to “damage” to the areas, as well as the effect on walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

Coun Garry Purdy said: “Both routes are very popular and cross some of the most environmentally-sensitive areas of the national park.

“These proposals follow a lengthy period of monitoring and attempts to manage vehicle use on the routes.

“We have already sought the views of the highways authorities, parish councils, recreational user groups and environmental groups, the majority of whom favoured permanent bans. The committee has also held site inspections.

“We’re proposing these Traffic Regulation Orders to safeguard what people value most about these areas, but we want to hear everyone’s views and will make a final decision in the light of all the evidence and feedback.”

The Long Causeway crosses Stanage Edge, following a route between Redmires and Hathersage, while The Roych track is part of the Pennine Bridleway, a national trail dedicated principally to horse-riders, but also used by cyclists and walkers.

These proposals are part of the authority’s wider strategy for managing green lanes.

It has 24 priority routes in the Derbyshire part of the national park and is currently spending an extra £100,000 over two years to try and manage the routes successfully, while also tackling illegal off-roading.

Those who wish to take part in the public consultation can view further details on the Peak District National Park Authority website.

Documents can also be seen at the authority’s headquarters at Aldern House in Baslow Road, Bakewell.