Written question asked by Lord Mann (Labour) on Monday, 17 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 November 2003. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Thursday, 20 November 2003 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the environmental impact of off-road trail biking on roads used as public paths. - Including ref to Under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

Answer: John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment her Department has made of the environmental impact of off-road trail biking on roads used as public paths. [140056] Alun Michael: This Department is currently carrying out a comprehensive research project into the use of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, on byways open to all traffic. Under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, roads used as public paths will shortly be reclassified as `restricted byways' and vehicles will then no longer be able to use them unless it can be proved that the byway is a vehicular right of way.

Secondary information