ACTION has been taken to tackle illegal off-roaders damaging parts of the North York Moors National Park.

Patrols have been carried out in Dalby Forest, which has become a hotspot for trail bikes and 4x4 vehicles using footpaths and bridleways over the past year.

David Smith, the park authority’s southern area ranger, said vehicles had been creating deep ruts, making it difficult for walkers, cyclists and horse riders to use paths.

He said: “Illegal off-roading is, quite frankly, ruining some areas of the North York Moors and is becoming increasingly costly for ourselves and others to repair the damage caused. It also disturbs livestock and nesting birds, destroys rare plants and flowers and can ruin visitors’ experiences of what is on the whole a tranquil area.”

In December, calls were made for some of the park to be made off limits to trucks and bikes following complaints of damage to the land.

The latest operation saw patrols of Broxa, Harwood Dale, Wykeham and Langdale Forests, and over the coming months more will be organised. Action could be taken against persistent offenders and police have a range of powers from issuing warning notices to confiscating vehicles.

Tanya Rex, the Forestry Commission’s recreation and public affairs manager, said: “Agencies are working together effectively and will carry on with these patrols. It’s a vital part of protecting our unique and much-loved environment at Dalby and local forests. The feedback we’ve had from visitors is unanimous, they want this stopped as much as we do.”

The patrols are part of the work of an anti-social behaviour group aiming to tackle poaching, fly-tipping and illegal camping and involves National Park Authority, North Yorkshire Police and Forestry Commission.

PC Tracy Rogers, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “This is only the beginning as many more operations will continue so that residents and visitors to the area have a peaceful quality of life, the wildlife are not disturbed and the countryside that we are so lucky to have around us is not destroyed.”

Anyone concerned about illegal off-roading should phone on 101.