A Dorset MP has urged the government to protect bridleways, paths and lanes for use by walkers and horseriders. Conservative MP for North Dorset, Robert Walter, has called for councils to be given new powers to ban trail bikers and four-wheel drivers.
Mr Walter wants a ban to be used where it could be shown a byway was once traditionally used by horse and cart.
He said his aim was to defend the rights of walkers, horseriders and "genuine users of the countryside".
300-strong meeting
But he told the Commons: "There is still room in the countryside for those who want to ride their motorbikes.
"There is still room for those who want to drive their four-wheel drives."
But he said he attended a meeting in the village of Cranborne, Dorset, where 300 people voiced concerns about groups of trail-bikers coming from up to 100 miles away to use a nearby bridleway.
Mr Walter's call came as he introduced his Restricted Byways Bill, supported by the Ramblers' Association and the British Horse Society.
It gained its first reading but is unlikely to become law due to lack of parliamentary time.
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