Police clamp down on illegal use of motorbikes and quad bikes in forests
Officers will be patrolling a number of sites run by Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) to curb the illegal behaviour.
FLS said there have been repeated incidents of unauthorised access by people on motorbikes and quad bikes in Fetteresso and Durris Forests, and they are asking the public to report illegal activity. Forestry and Land Scotland Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) confirmed that police officers will be at sites to curb the illegal behaviour.
The use of a motorbike, a quad, or a 4×4 in the forest is currently an offence.
Fiona Robertson, area visitor services manager, said using any motor vehicle on FLS-managed trails is illegal and 'potentially hazardous' for other forest users. Forestry and Land Scotland Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) confirmed that police officers will be at sites to curb the illegal behaviour, which is putting members of the public at risk.
'This includes a high number of walkers, cyclists, and horse riders; not to mention they are working forests with live forestry operations in areas,' she said.
Ms Robertson added that the speed at which the people in the vehicles travel is putting others' safety at risk from injury and negatively impacting surrounding residents.
'It's really important that nobody puts themselves in danger by confronting anyone, but if people can pass us registration numbers, dates and times if they witness these types of behaviours, we can inform Police Scotland.
'We want people to enjoy their visits to our forest, but this must be done responsibly and with consideration for other people and the law.'
Police officers from Stonehaven will be making regular rounds of the forests to target those involved in dangerous and illegal behaviour.
Inspector Mark Young said those identified as using the vehicles in the forests face prosecution, fines, and bans.
'Local officers will be carrying out patrols in and around the forest during the summer months in response to the illegal use of motorbikes and quad bikes in Fetteresso forest,' he said.
'This behaviour is not acceptable; it is illegal and dangerous. Those identified face prosecution, fines, driving bans, and vehicles may be seized and destroyed.
'We work closely with partner agencies to identify offenders with information from the public vital in providing us with descriptions of people or vehicles involved.'
Registration numbers and details of incidents can be emailed to enquiries.east@forestryandland.gov.scot or to Police Scotland by dialling 101.
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