Off-road motor bikes, quads & 4x4's on Welsh Government Woodland Estate
Whilst Forestry Commission Wales and the Police recognise that off-roading can be great fun, participants must respect the law and other forest users and not cause damage to wildlife and the environment.
Using off-road vehicles on the Welsh Government Woodland Estate is illegal. All roads within the forest of Wales are regularly patrolled by the police.
A police officer may stop the rider/driver and following the issue of a warning, seize or remove a vehicle with reasonable grounds to believe that:
• due care and attention is not being taken
• that motor bikes/4x4s are or have been ridden off-road
• an activity is causing annoyance, alarm or distress to members of the public.
So What Does the Law Say about Off-Roading?
Section 59 of the Police Reform Act applies to two specific off-road offences:
1. Careless or inconsiderate riding/driving on a public road or place.
2. Riding or driving unlawfully on land not forming part of a road, such as common land, moorland, footpath or bridleway.
Section 34 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 states that it is illegal to ride/drive a vehicle on Forestry Commission land, common land, moorland or any land that is not forming part of a road without authorisation.
Advice for Parents
If a parent or guardian knowingly lets their child ride or drive any sort of off-road vehicle unlawfully, they may well find themselves being reported for offences of permitting their child to use a motor vehicle without the relevant documentation.
Before you decide to purchase an off-road vehicle for your child, find out where they can legally use the vehicle. At present, there are very few legal sites in Wales and it is illegal to use unauthorised off-road vehicles on the Welsh Government Woodland Estate.
Contact
For more information on the law and off-road vehicles contact your local police station.
