PROPOSALS to ban the inappropriate use of mechanically propelled vehicles on countryside rights of way were outlined by Minister for Rural Affairs, Alun Michael this week.

The consultation period, launched on behalf of Defra, addresses widespread concern from the public, conservation and recreation groups, and both Houses of Parliament, that use of vehicles including motorbikes, quad bikes and 4x4s on rights of way is inconsistent with the purposes for which they were established, and is causing damage to the natural and cultural heritage of the countryside.

Briefing the Press, Mr Michael said that 4,000 miles of rights of way were affected, some 7,000 in both England and Wales.

"We do not want to close off rights of way where it is unnecessary, but are looking to enforce the law where inappropriate use is a concern," he said

The public has been invited to voice comments, and interested bodies such as the police, landowners and other organisations have a March deadline.

"It is clear that there is a lot of concern and there has been discussions in both Houses of Parliament so it is clear that we need to tackle the problem and I would expect people to be pleased that we are addressing it under the Countryside Rights of Way Act 2000.

"At the root of the issue is the fact that users of these vehicle can currently claim rights of way on the basis that the routes were historically employed by horse-drawn carriages.

"But this has nothing to do with modern vehicles and the rights of way today," said Mr Michael.

"It is in everyone's interest that we get this right, for local landowners and users too. We have to look at all issues, safety, use by walkers and horseriders, cyclists and quad bikes and 4x4s.

"Stopping access would only be proportional in areas which are vulnerable to damage."

Rights of way are minor highways that exists for the benefit of the community at large. Historically they were an integral part of the country's transport system, but have long since evolved into a recreational web which enables people to explore the countryside on foot, on horseback or on wheels.

At the same time, some parts of the rights of way network, in both urban and rural areas, provides a convenient means of travelling from one place to another.

The legislation governs the administration and management of rights of way. It seeks to modernise the rights of way system to better meet the needs of today's users and land management and also to complement proposals on access to open country, he said.

"We are looking at ways that the present law might be strengthened. We hope that this consultation period will prompt suggestions and discussion on the Government paper on proposed amendments to the Act," he added.

The president of the Country Land and Business Association, Paul Hudson, said footpaths would become mudbaths if the current loophole in the law allowing vehicles on to country paths was not amended.

After the launch of the minister's public consultation on ways to curtail the use of off-road vehicles on rights of ways, the CLA is urging the Government to take steps to curb the inappropriate use of vehicles off road throughout the countryside."