By GEMMA BROWN

Published at 13:15, Thursday, 11 December 2008

A POLICE operation aimed at targeting rogue bikers who churn up the routes through Slaley Forest began on Sunday.

Tracking down: Left to right, PC Iain Robertson, Tony Whitehead from the Trail Riders Fellowship, Slaley forester Mark Herbertson, Steven Campbell from the Trail Riders Fellowship, and Sgt. Mick Garrett.

In response to concerns raised by residents living in the area about the damage caused by motorcyclists using the tracks illegally, officers from stations in Corbridge and Hexham have joined forces with the Forestry Commission and the Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF) to try to deter illegal use.

Four Forestry Commission vehicles, two bikes ridden by members of the TRF and police vehicles spent time combing the forest throughout the day on Sunday in an effort to not only enforce the law, but to educate riders.

PC Iain Robertson, who has been leading the initiative, explained: “Sunday was about being proactive in an effort to address residents' concerns about the vehicles using the forest.

“We did come across a number of vehicles and we stopped and chatted with the riders. This operation is as much about educating and informing people as it is about enforcing the law.”

Although trail riding is perfectly legal, motorcyclists must stick to a code of conduct and cannot ride on public footpaths or bridleways. Bikes must be road-worthy and must display standard-sized square registration plates, as well as be taxed and insured.

Residents have reported through Slaley Parish Council that the problem is particularly prevalent on Sundays when vans with trailers have often been seen carrying bikes into the forest.

And although many are legal users who abide by the code of conduct set by the TRF, PC Robertson is keen continue the operation and make visits to the forest at regular intervals to educate and advise other users about ways to ride legally.

Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk