In a bid to tackle antisocial behaviour along a historic Overton byway, Hampshire County Council and the police have teamed up.
The Harroway, which has been described as the oldest road in Britain, is a popular site for 4x4’s and motorbikes.
As a registered byway the track is open to all traffic including walkers, cyclists, horse riders, horse drawn vehicles and motor vehicles.
But it is illegal to use land either side of the route, and police have noted illegal tracks springing up due to heavy use by off-roaders.
So the county council has put up new signs to show people how to use the pathway.
The signs warn that all motor vehicles must be taxed and insured and that using land either side of the byway is not permitted.
PC Richard Baldwin from Whitchurch police station warned that anyone abusing the byway will be punished and urged people to report incidents to local bobbies.
Executive member for culture and recreation at Hampshire County Council, Councillor Keith Chapman, said; “We have been concerned about the illegal use of motor vehicles both on and off the byway for some time and in conjunction with the police are attempting to address the problem.
“I hope that the new sign and raised awareness of what the route can be used for will help people be courteous to other users.”
But Overton borough councillor, Ian Tillbury questioned how effective the new signs will be.
He said: “People abusing it are going to carry on. They know its illegal and signs are not going to stop them.
“Instead it looks like they are picking on the law-abiding public. It seems like a storm in a tea cup, really.”
A county council advisory board, the Hampshire Countryside Access Forum, is also working with Overton Parish Council, the Trail Riders Fellowship and the Auto Cycle Union to help promote sustainable use of the byway.
And Councillor Tom Ridley from Overton Parish Council said that if the path continues to be used illegally, harsher restrictions could be enforced.
He said: “The Harroway is an important historic thoroughfare both for people and wildlife.
“The parish council will be closely involved with monitoring the usage of the track and should the byway continue to deteriorate we are not opposed to taking further measures to maintain accessibility for all legal users.”
