The damage was caused to a track near the climbing honeypot of Stanage Edge. Photo: Darren Copley

A wayward off-road driver will help repair national park land he damaged when he strayed from a right of way.

The unnamed 4×4 driver was reported when his vehicle left a track near Stanage Edge in the Peak District and used protected moorland.

Now, police have agreed to allow the driver to join park rangers to carry out restoration at the site, near one of the area’s most popular climbing areas.

PC Kevin Lowe of Derbyshire Constabulary said: “This area is regularly used by off-road enthusiasts and can be used lawfully by riders and drivers if they stay on the track and do not stray into these protected wildlife habitats.”

The driver erred from the track on Sunday, 18 April and was reported to the police.

PC Lowe continued: “I would encourage all off-road drivers and riders to join a responsible club where they will have the advantage of gaining knowledge and experience of how to conduct their off road experiences whilst respecting the heritage of the Peak District national park, other users and local residents.”

The officer has been working with national park rangers, off-road user groups, the roads-policing unit and officers from neighbouring forces as part of Operation Blackbrook, a long-term campaign to tackle irresponsible off-roading.

Police officers also carried out a day of enforcement and checks last Sunday after residents said they were concerned about the safety and roadworthiness of some of the vehicles at the last Operation Blackbrook meeting in March.

They spent time at locations across the area, including Bamford, Pindale, Brushfield near Taddington and on the A619, at thirteen bends near Bakewell.

A total of 36 vehicles were checked and 11 found with defects. These drivers were issued with a vehicle rectification form which means they have to have the repairs carried out and checked at an MOT test centre before they can drive the vehicle.

PC Lowe added: “The standard ethos of information and communication project days alongside rangers, off-road user groups and other agencies will continue over the coming months alongside enforcement days.”

Concerned members of the public can contact PC Lowe by email or on 0345 123 33 33.