Friday November 30, 2018 at 11:32am
Whilst a majority of off-road motorcycle riders are very responsible and only ride at practice tracks, on authorised byways and within approved events, a small minority are still causing real problems with illegal riding in Thetford Forest. To address this, Norfolk & Suffolk Police and the Forestry Commission in East England are now conducting a number of spot checks in Thetford Forest to stamp out illegal riding. Checks have been targeting hot spots and where necessary, Section 59 notices (using a vehicle in an anti-social manner) have and will be issued. Some of Forestry land and the pits riders have been illegally riding are very sensitive from a conservation perspective. In addition, to a bike being seized, an offence can now carry a fine up to £5,000! Diss MCC and members of the public using the forest, local residents and are being very proactive in assisting the police and forestry with this exercise, and during the autumn and winter months checks will continue. The only places in Thetford Forest where off road riding is permitted is at authorised tracks such as Hit the Dirt at Swaffham. There are other authorised practice tracks at Chippenham, Besthorpe, Blythburgh and Mildenhall. Even then riding at these venues is only permitted when they are open for an event or authorised practice days. All other areas of forest including locations where the Diss Club run enduro events, is strictly no go. If you are trail riding – you must be road legal and you must not deviate from authorised green lane routes. Prepared to be stopped and checked. Ignorance is not an excuse.