Police officers and Peak District national park rangers involved in Operation Blackbrook

National park rangers teamed up with police in an effort to stop bikers and drivers damaging trails.

Police officers from Derbyshire and South Yorkshire joined rangers from the Peak District National Park Authority to educate 4×4 drivers and trail bikers at the weekend. A Derbyshire County Council rights-of-way officer also took part.

Operation Blackbrook, as the venture was dubbed, centred on threatened routes at Longstone Edge, Houndkirk Moor, Pindale, Eyam, Great Hucklow, Rowland and Abney.

Bikers and recreational 4×4 drivers received leaflets at popular meeting points and refreshment areas in the Peak District.

Co-ordinator PC Kevin Lowe said: “This was the second event of its kind, and was a great success. We were able to talk to the drivers and bikers in a friendly way and give them the information they need to act responsibly.

“At the same time it enables local people to know that we take this matter seriously and are working together to tackle issues that 4×4 or trail bike use might cause for them.”

Jenny Waller, national park field services north area team manager, said: “In the main most users were really supportive of the initiative and the majority were using the correct routes in a sensitive way, being respectful of other users. Many were members of organised clubs which give members researched routes they can enjoy, while ensuring they are all legal.”

One 4×4 driver was cautioned for a road tax offence.

The operation was aimed at persuading motorised users to use only lawful unsurfaced routes and byways, understand the impact of their activities on the lives of local residents and use peer pressure to stop unlawful or inconsiderate behaviour by a minority.

Details of such routes are published on the Peak District National Park Authority’s website.