Brecon Beacons: Lockdown sees increase in off-roading

Wardens are continuing to work alongside police officers to respond to antisocial activities including illegal off-roading within the National Park. Action is being taken and vehicles may be stopped and seized with fines issued.

A spokesperson for the police said: “Brecon Roads Policing Unit and members of the Neighbourhood Policing Team are working closely with the National Park Wardens following an increase in reports of off road motorcycles illegally riding through the National Park. Not only is this clearly in breach of the COVID-19 restrictions set by the Welsh Government, but many are committing offences under the Road Traffic Act such as riding without insurance and riding/driving a mechanically propelled vehicle on Common Land without lawful authority.

"If you are caught riding an off road bike/quad you could face having your vehicle seized and a fine or court summons. A Section 59 Notice may also be issued”.

Sam Ridge, Assistant Area Warden for Brecon Beacons National Park Authority said: “The National Park Authority and the Police are committed to stopping illegal off-roaders in their tracks. We want bikers and 4×4 drivers to realise that the National Park is not the place to bring their vehicles. There are plenty of legal places to pursue this activity but the Park isn’t one of them.”

The problems associated with off-roading activities include environmental damage and disturbance to wildlife, danger and annoyance to other park users and a negative impact on the rural economy.

The National Park Authority welcomes any information relating to illegal off-roading activities within the park and you can complete a form on the National Park Authority website to report specific incidents.

"The information which you provide is important, enabling us to build a picture and focus our resources on problem areas. This information is also shared with the police so they can respond," the Brecon Beacons National Park said.