POLICE have launched another crackdown against illegal off-roaders who are churning up some of the district's best loved beauty spots.

The operation, carried out by the West Berkshire Neighbourhood Police team, took place on Sunday February 22 in the Farnborough and Catmore areas.

Officers stopped four off-road vehicles driving on the Ridgeway, near Aldworth and West Ilsley in the Catmore area. All four were issued with Section 59 warnings.

The warnings mean that if the driver or vehicle repeats the offence within 12 months the vehicle can be seized and, if not collected after paying for recovery and storage costs, could be crushed.

No one was stopped in the Farnborough area.
The operation followed a successful operation in January 2015 in the same area when four motorcross bikers were stopped, warned and had their details taken.
Both operations were carried out following complaints from local residents that drivers were damaging the environment.
Police have reminded people that the western third of The Ridgeway, from East Hendred Down eastwards to Compton Down, has restricted byway status. This means that the public does not have the right to take motor vehicles along it at any time.
A seasonal permanent Traffic Regulation Order is in place on The Ridgeway between October 1 and April 30 every year, which means the area is closed to public motor vehicles to protect the surface of the ancient thoroughfare.
The eastern third, known as Rectory Road, in Streatley is an unclassified road and is open to motor vehicles throughout the year.