An order banning vehicles at a popular County Durham beauty spot has been extended for the next two years.
A Temporary Traffic Regulation Order has been in place in Hamsterley Forest for the last six months on a trial basis, with the aim of combatting the use of off-road vehicles. Such vehicles are said to have caused significant damage to the area's natural environment, as well as posing a fire risk to the forest and nearby properties.
The order is in place at Doctors Gate in the forest, and Durham County Council has agreed to extend the order for a further two years due to continued reports of people accessing the lane illegally. The council is carrying out targeted enforcement with the support of Durham Constabulary and signs have been installed at several access points to remind drivers it is illegal to use vehicles in the area unless authorised.
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Cllr John Shuttleworth, Durham County Council's Cabinet member for highways, rural communities and community safety, said: "Hamsterley Forest is a popular location visited by thousands of people each year, with many using Doctors Gate for activities such as cycling, horse riding, and walking.
"The use of unauthorised vehicles in this area is not only illegal, it has damaged the natural environment which so many people enjoy. We would appeal to everyone to follow these, rules so the forest’s natural habitat can recover. I would also stress that we will be taking enforcement action where drivers fail to abide by the order.
Sergeant Steve Down of the Durham Roads and Armed Policing Unit said: "We are continuing to use a range of methods to enforce the order and identify repeated offenders who pose a danger towards visitors and wildlife by entering the illegal zone.
"Signs have been installed at multiple access points to the forest so if you choose to ignore them, expect to have your vehicle seized and face prosecution. To report a nuisance vehicle, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 08000 555 111."
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