Police crackdown after 'illegal' use of roads in Slaley Woods by 4x4s causes 'considerable damage' to countryside

Enforcement action led by Northumbria Police in Slaley Woods saw three 4x4s seized as part of a crackdown on illegal use of off-road cars and bikes.

The police led an operation with the assistance of Natural England, local landowners and community volunteers to stop illegal traffic from using roads through the Tynedale woodland which do not open until May. The operation focused on the use of restricted "Byways Open to All Traffic" (BOATS) which are not yet open to vehicles this year.

Northumbria Police said the scheme had yielded "fantastic results" - with three cars seized and a 36-hour dispersal order used to prevent those involved from returning to the area. The action was led by officers from Hexham's neighbourhood policing team.