The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has voiced concern at the number of reported incidents of unauthorised motorcycling in its plantations. 

It is an offence to drive or ride any motor vehicle in any of the Department’s plantations without permission; such activity often damages tracks and can pose a serious safety risk to other plantation users such as walkers, horse riders and cyclists as well as to the individuals themselves.

Prosecutions will be brought where appropriate and enforcement will apply under the Road Traffic Act 1985 (including Section 28, Prohibition of driving motor vehicles elsewhere than on roads) and the Forestry (General) Byelaws 2006.

Unauthorised motorcycling should not be confused with the organised motorcycle and other events that regularly take place in the Department’s plantations.  These are risk-assessed, insured, and approved by DAFF. 

Advanced notice is given to members of the public by way of pre-event signage around the locations to be used.  These events are properly supervised under the Motorcycle Governing Body’s strict code of conduct.

Chairman of the Forestry, Amenity and Lands Division, Brenda Cannell MHK, said 'The Department is working very closely with the Island’s Motor Clubs to make their competitive events sustainable and is also looking at accommodating training events in certain locations.  Irresponsible and illegal usage could jeopardise the future use of the plantations for events. 

'Clubs are backing the Department in trying to eradicate the problem and will consider penalising any of their members who are found to be involved in such activity.'

Members of the public observing unauthorised motorcycling on Department land should contact the Police, the St. John’s office of the Forestry Amenity & Land’s Division on 801263 or the Forestry Warden 490714.