Off-road drivers causing damage to a Mid Wales beauty spot face a police crackdown.

Politicians, environmentalists and police have worked together to secure an extra community support officer for the Rhayader and Elan Valley area in a bid to clamp down on the problem. Some of the off-roaders have been accessing land illegally and causing damage to sensitive areas.

Now, the Where on Earth can we Ride campaign? will include pointing off-roaders in the right direction for legal use of their vehicles, as well as cracking down on illegal activity.

Dyfed-Powys Police, the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), The Elan Valley Trust and the Welsh Assembly Government, have worked together to fund the new officer, Emma Davies, who has been provided with a 4×4 vehicle, as part of the three-year pilot scheme.

Linda Ashton, CCW countryside officer, said: “This is just one of several projects CCW has set up with other organisations to find sustainable solutions to off-roading, a recreational activity growing in popularity.

“We are working hard to strike a balance between the need to conserve wildlife, landscapes and people’s quiet enjoyment of the countryside and the need to provide suitable opportunities for off-roaders to enjoy their activity.”

Superintendent Steve Hughson, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “By having a visible police presence, we hope to reduce illegal off-roading and damage to the Elan Valley and the wider Cambrian Mountains area.

“We will be providing information and education to local residents, businesses and visitors to the area to ensure people know where they can legally go.

“We will also take positive enforcement action against people who ignore advice and break the law. This could result in vehicles being seized and confiscated.”

Following the pilot scheme, CCW will advise the Welsh Assembly on “sustainable solutions”, possibly including better promotion of acceptable off-roading sites.

The Where on Earth can we Ride? poster campaign will hit the Elan Valley in December to ensure off-roaders know their rights and to help them stick to legal routes.

By Deborah Knox