QUAD-BIKERS, motorcyclists and owners of four-wheel drive vehicles are being warned to stay away from several beaches.
Concerns about public safety and damage to wildlife-rich areas between Teesside and east Durham have prompted a clampdown by police and conservationists.
They are concerned about vehicles being used in areas that include North Gare Seaton Dunes and Hart Warren Dunes, near Crimdon.
Robert Smith, a countryside warden, said: "Our biggest concern is that someone could be seriously injured or even killed in an accident involving one of these vehicles.
"We are also concerned about the destruction of rare habitats, the erosion of precious sand dunes and the general disturbance that is being caused to wildlife in these areas."
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