Wiltshire Police highlight safe green-laning on Salisbury Plain

Wiltshire Police, in partnership with the Army, are hoping to inform motorcyclists and 4x4 drivers of the dangers of straying from public rights of way across the Plain.

PC Ian Cooke, from Wiltshire's Military Community Police Team, said: "There are a number of byways open to traffic, as well as unclassified and classified roads; these are great for green-laning and everyone is welcome to do this, providing they stick to the designated routes.

"However, there are some who choose to go off these roads - putting themselves and the military in danger.

"Bikers and 4x4 drivers may not see the soldiers who are using the Plain to do their job and to take part in exercises.

"Potentially, we could have a serious incident on the Plain - those riding or driving illegally could cause or be involved in a serious collision.

"Wiltshire Police and the Military Police regularly patrol Salisbury Plain; if we catch anyone riding and driving illegally we can issue a fixed penalty notice of £50, but more importantly those doing this are risking their lives and the lives of others.

"These issues mainly come up at weekends and during the summer holidays, although it's not weather specific."

Officers, along with the help of enduro racing champion Bolter, hoped to show that there are green-laning opportunities in Wiltshire in the form of legal byways and classified and unclassified roads.

Lieutenant Colonel Stew Andrews said: "The MOD takes the safety of the public and the military on the training estate very seriously.

"There's a real concern over the safety of the public and the military, as illegal use of Salisbury Plain is simply just not safe. It's dangerous for everyone – soldiers and those riding or driving off road.

"You must stay on the public rights of way and obey the signs – you and others will then be safe."

For more information, visit wwwwiltshire.gov.uk/communityanddriving/rightsofway