Motorcyclists are frightening walkers by racing along woodland paths

It is one of the measures being introduced by authorities to try to clamp down on anti-social behaviour in Ham Woods in Plymouth.

Walkers have frequently complained about motorbikes being illegally ridden along the paths in the woods.

The police would like to exclude motorbikes from the woods altogether, but they say it is an impossible task due to the number of ways in and out of the woods.

The authorities plan to place limestone blocks in a chicane pattern around the woodland pathways to try and slow motorbikes down.

It's making the area safer for people, which has got to be a benefit Police Constable Paul Fryer

But a more drastic method of prevention being introduced is to confiscate the bikes used by persistent offenders.

Two bikes have already been seized by the police, and more seizures are expected to follow.

Police Constable Paul Fryer said: "We have seized a number of motorcycles which were being used illegally and were not registered to the people using them.

Improve safety

"That has helped to greatly reduce the number of motorcycles in the woods.

"It is sending out a message to the community.

"They are aware of the actions we are taking and they approve of it.