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Advice on
responding to DEFRA’s Consultation on the Landscapes Review What is the Landscapes Review? In May 2018
the government asked for an independent review into whether the protections
for National Parks and AONBs are still fit for purpose. In particular, what
might be done better, what changes will help and whether the definitions and
systems in place are still valid. The review’s final report was published on
21 September 2019. It was led by Julian Glover and can be read here.
Although the
Landscapes Review does not touch on the use of motor vehicles the Government
response has a section on ‘managing visitor pressures’, which includes the
impact of recreational motoring on green lanes. The full response can be read
here.
The threat DEFRA’s
consultation goes further and includes questions on whether or not the
Government should legislate to restrict the recreational use of motor
vehicles on unsealed and minor tarmac roads, either within protected
landscapes or everywhere.
The relevant section and questions can be read here.
This
represents a clear and present threat to your enjoyment of motorcycling in
the countryside. Time to act The time for
venting on social media is over, it’s time to share your opinions directly
with policy makers. The deadline for submission is 9 April and we are looking to
engage all motorcyclists and the wider motoring public to respond. What we are requesting you do. The
organisations representing motorcycling Green Roads interests will be putting
forward detailed responses, which will contain technical arguments. This work
is supported by LARA and the NMC, backed up by the latest evidence. We are asking
for people to focus on core points (see below), as a significant response to
these will carry weight. There is no need for you to respond with complex
arguments in this initial call for views. It could be that you
unintentionally conflict with efforts on your behalf by the representative
organisations. How to submit your response. · Be polite, restrained
and measured. Responses that are aggressive, dismissive, abusive or
defamatory will be disregarded. · Respond as a member of
the public and not a member of an organisation. · Use your own words to
make your response personal and individual. · Please keep your
response focussed. Be succinct and authentic talk about the things you feel
strongly about. · Remember to make it
very clear which questions your comments relate to (13-17). · Never cut and paste
your answers from this or other documents; use your own words. Short on time? Go to the
online questionnaire fill out your personal details and complete questions
13-17 only. Be sure to click through to complete your submission https://bit.ly/greenroadsforeveryonequest
- Issue Fixed Penalty
Notices for byelaw infringements -
Make Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) -
Issue Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) to control the amount and type of
traffic on roads Please give
reasons for your answer NO/IGNORE
-
Yes -
NO -
Unsure Please give
reasons for your answer
-
Environmental protection -
Prevention of damage -
Nuisance -
Amenity Other (please
state) IGNORE
-
Yes – everywhere -
Yes – in National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty only -
Yes – in National Parks only -
NO -
Unsure Please give
reasons for your answer Got more time? Respond via email A considered
well-constructed email that clearly identifies what you are responding to has
the benefit of introducing personal and alternative perspective that are not
constrained by the limitations of the questions. If you do
decide to take a more personal approach sending an email it should be emailed
to: Landscapesconsultation@defra.gov.uk
Points you may wish to include in your
response ·
your
personal circumstances and relationship with the countryside including your
love of it and that motorcycling on Green Roads is about embracing the
countryside not destroying it. ·
include
any relevant professional / vocational experience of green roads and
countryside access. · responsible
motorcyclists share the government’s aim of preserving the countryside
including the network of Green Roads for everyone to enjoy. ·
your
concerns on how the government response strays from the spirit of the
Landscape Review (doesn’t mention vehicles) and Landscapes for Everyone,
targeting motorcycling on Green Roads.
·
how
you believe your motorcycling on Green Roads contributes to rural and
national economies with your chosen pastime. · how you and your fellow
motorcyclists contribute to vital local conservation and community projects. · that you already feel
discriminated against due to motorcycling on unsealed roads already being
severely restricted with 350,000 miles of highway available, 120,000 of which
is already traffic free leaving less that 2% (6000) available for you to
enjoy. ·
why
you choose to enjoy the countryside on a motorcycle. ·
how
you successfully and safely share the green roads with other users when using
them. ·
how
green roads offer you a safer environment in which to motorcycle. ·
how
accessing the countryside helps your physical and mental health, including
how any personal circumstances might prohibit you accessing the countryside
otherwise. ·
how
you believe motorised vehicles are an important part of natural countryside
cultural heritage. ·
how
you believe that the actions of a minority of irresponsible users should not
curtail your preferred way to access the countryside. ·
your
recognition that countryside routes need to be managed, and that you accept
this might involve proportionate restrictions on a minority of routes. ·
your
support for the idea of greater access to the countryside including more
traffic free routes - without detriment of motorcycle access. ·
how
you believe you contribute to rural and national economies with your chosen
pastime. ·
how
you believe that industrial and agricultural pollution poses a far greater
threat to the countryside than motorcycling. ·
why
you believe agricultural, and forestry generate a similar level of noise in
the countryside and with electric motorcycles noise levels will drop to
almost silent. Don’t feel you need to make
all these points and remember to avoid complex technical arguments! The most important thing is
that you respond. Take real action – motorcycling needs you! |
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