Off-roaders say rogue riders are spoiling their sport

The government is currently consulting on whether recreational motor vehicles should be allowed to use green lanes.

The Ramblers' Association in Devon is calling for the government to defend the countryside from what it says is the damage caused by off-road vehicles, such as 4x4s, trail and quad bikes.

But off-roaders in the region claim club members repair any damage they have done to the lanes.

'Spoiling flora'

Joan Long, chair of the north Devon group of the Ramblers' Association, said such recreational driving was inappropriate environmentally.

She said it caused pollution, noise and increased danger to walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

"It's digging into the hedges and spoiling the lovely flora and making the tracks dangerous, especially for small children," she said.

Keith Lee, who has been off-roading in the region for 15 years, said: "There are two sorts of off-roaders, those in official clubs and the cowboys.

"The hooligans can kill the sport and we will suffer. If that happens, there will be no off-road riding of any sort."