4x4 drivers damage ancient moor paths (From Gazette & Herald)
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4x4 drivers damage ancient moor paths
10:08am Wednesday 13th February 2013 in News
ANCIENT routes used by monks in medieval times are being vandalised by people who want to drive 4x4 vehicles along them.
The routes are paved with stones, known as trods, and thoughtless drivers are removing the stones to make them wide enough to take off-road cars.
Worst hit has been historic Seggimire Lane at Ugglebarnby where between 20 and 30 yards of stone trods have been taken up, said Karl Gerhardsen, the park’s public rights of way and countryside officer.
Graham Lee, archaeologist for the North York Moors National Park Authority, said the trods were of considerable historic value. “We are now monitoring the situation very closely,” said Mr Lee.
The drivers have also been slammed by the British Off-Road Driving Association. A spokesman said the trods were lawfully used by horse riders, hikers and motor-cyclists, but said some 4x4 drivers were spoiling the historic routes, often leaving deep ruts.
