The Gazette (August 16, 'Call for 4x4s ban in lakes') reported the Lake District National Park Authority stating: “We've recorded the current state of these roads and recognise that they are out of condition. A funded maintenance programme has been agreed and will be delivered this autumn to benefit all users and minimise further damage.”
Just who is supposed to benefit from this? If the tracks are to be made more like paved roads, then not the 4x4 community. Less fun for them!
Not local farmers, who will have to endure more disturbance caused by all drivers tempted to take advantage of more narrow lanes to explore and clog up. Not walkers and cyclists, who wish to enjoy the tranquillity of any remaining quiet areas of the Lakes.
Applying for a TRO to ban 4x4 vehicles is described by the LDNPA as a last resort, and this measure has been consistently resisted by the LDNPA. The reaction has been: “Show us evidence of harm caused by these vehicles”.
It appears that the erosion of tracks, the disturbance to farmers and a 6,000-strong petition for the closure of green lanes to motor vehicles, do not count as evidence.
Sadly this attitude shown by the LDNPA provides evidence that the 'quiet enjoyment' of the lakes is not a priority. This is particularly worrying in the light of the Local Plan Review, with its suggestions for a new resort adjacent to the A591, and a cable car etc within the park.
The advocates of 4x4 use on green lanes may claim that they are as entitled as anyone else to the use of green lanes. However, none of the other users cause the physical damage and disturbance that motorised vehicles cause.
In some cases the damage to existing routes has caused off-roaders to divert on either side, to avoid stretches that have been made unusable by earlier 4x4 vehicles.
By all means allow off-road enthusiasts to range free over rough terrain in designated areas where their enjoyment does not adversely impact upon others.
Not, however, within our National Park. The LDNPA appears to have forgotten that to permit 'quiet enjoyment' is an essential part of their remit.
Paul Truelove
Grasmere
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