Motor Vehicle Users in the Countryside

The majority of motorsport enthusiasts who use routes in the Peak District National Park do so legally and responsibly.

The Peak District National Park Authority is keen to work with these users so they can enjoy their pastime without damaging the delicate and sensitive landscape it is our duty to protect.

Unfortunately, the reputation of the responsible users can at times be damaged by the irresponsible actions of a few. This can lead to all motor vehicle users becoming the focus of criticism from residents, parish councils, cyclists, walkers and horse riders.

How to find legal routes

We understand the challenges motor vehicle users can face in trying to find out which routes are legal.

To try and resolve this we are encouraging highway authorities to:

• Invest more money in work to determine the legal status of routes. This will help to remove current uncertainties.
• Make it easier for motor vehicle users to check maps and legal documents at highway authority offices or on their websites. This will help motorists to ensure they are only using legal routes.

If you are unsure about whether it is legal to use a road or route in a motor vehicle please check with the highway authority.

But motor vehicle users can:

• Follow the drivers’ countryside code (see below).
• Use Ordnance Survey maps.
• Have a look at the web-site www.trailwise.org.uk which shows routes in the National Park. Although we cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy of this external website, it does appear to show the up-to-date status of most routes

Byways open to all traffic (BOATs) are shown on Ordnance Survey Explorer maps . You can use these legally.  It is important to ensure that the map you are using is accurate and up-to-date as the status of routes might have changed since old maps were produced.

The maps will also show ‘other routes with public access’. The legal status of many of these routes is disputed and is being investigated by the highway authorities.

In the Peak District National Park there are several highway authorities.

So what can I do?

• Join a responsible motor vehicle club or group.  
• If you come across motorsport enthusiasts who are driving or riding in areas where you know they shouldn’t be then please encourage them to act responsibly. Politely explain to them that by not using legal areas they are likely to cause problems or enforcement action against all users, including those who are acting responsibly.
• Follow LARA's drivers' countryside code.

LARA's Drivers' Countryside Code

1. Use only vehicular rights of way, not all green roads have vehicular rights.
2. Keep to the defined track. Detour only to pass immovable obstructions. Report any obstructions (including low branches) to the highway authority. If the route is not obvious on the ground, ask locally, or check on the maps held at the highway authority offices.
3. Travel at a quiet and unobtrusive pace and when travelling in groups, keep to a small number.
4. Ensure your vehicle and yourself are fully road legal. Green roads are subject to the same laws as surfaced roads. There is no public right to drive on common land, moorland, sand dunes or a beach.
5. 
   Pay attention to the ‘four Ws’:
   Weather: Do not travel on green roads when they risk being damaged beyond a point of natural recovery when the weather improves.
   Weight: Do not use roads which may be seriously damaged by the wheel pressure applied by your vehicle.  
   Width: Do not use roads that are too narrow for your vehicle. Avoid damage to trees, hedgerows and boundaries.
   Winches: Use only when unavoidable. Your priority should be to avoid damage to trees, walls or the surface while recovering.
6. Respect the life of the countryside. Be courteous to other road users, including walkers and take great care when passing horses. Be prepared to stop your engine if necessary. Always fasten gates and take care near livestock.
7. Remember that wildlife faces many threats and green roads can be valuable habitats. Take special care in spring and early summer.

Organising events

If you plan to organise an event for any type of motor vehicle on an unsurfaced road, you must get authorisation from the Motor Sports Association. Such events are governed by strict regulations and we will request that you avoid sensitive routes.

Any request should also be copied to one of our rights of way officers. They can be contacted by emailing rightsofway@peakdistrict.gov.uk or by writing to Rights of Way Officer, Peak District National Park Authority, Aldern House, Baslow Road, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1AE.

Illegal use of land by motor vehicles

We take the illegal use of land by any motor vehicle very seriously. To prevent the illegal use of land we have installed logging machines at various locations in the Peak District.  These monitor the use of land by vehicles. This information, along with tip-offs from residents and other users of the countryside, is always given to the police to take action against the offenders.

Help us to help you

If you have any constructive ideas or comments about ways we can improve access and enjoyment of the countryside for all users then please contact us by emailing rightsofway@peakdistrict.gov.uk

Staying on the Right Track leaflet (400KB)