SCRAP OLD MAPS

Several cases have come to light recently where members have been caught by the Police under Section 59 of Police Reform Act 2002 for using illegal green lanes. (2 cases in Yorkshire and one in Northumberland)

( a warning is issued then if a second offence you get your bike confiscated and pay £105 to recover it from some distant warehouse and probably prosecuted into the bargain. No much fun).

In all three cases the riders concerned were still using out of date TRF maps usually ones issued by Sam Watt of the West Yorkshire Group 10 years ago who amazingly with TRF colleagues researched 1000 green lanes throughout the north.

Let me spell it out loud and clear. All Sam Watt and indeed any northern TRF or unofficial TRF marked up maps and lists of green lanes dated before 2nd May 2006 are null and void and must be scrapped. These maps show a lot of green lanes which are since May 2 2006 closed to vehicles. I have issued "private" marked up maps covering most of the north which shows all lawful lanes including valid TRF and YDNP claims,TROs, Byways and UCRs. Only the maps bearing my name and dated after 2nd May 2006 will show the up to date position.(e mail me for details)

Copies of these marked up maps have also been issued to the various highway authorities and national parks in the north so we both know what is lawful and not and also to the various TRF groups and many individual members. The take up has been very popular which indicates that most members just join to find out where to lawfully ride.

Only a handful of problems have resulted since these maps were issued and all have been resolved amicably. Not one TRF member has been prosecuted from using this information or had a Section 59 warning notice.

A further reminder; The TRF will not consider any help or advice from any paid up member caught by the police if using out dated maps and information..

Needless to add the TRF will not lift a finger to help or advise any non member either. You take the consquences. A solicitor will cost you £200 hour. The TRF costs £30 year.

If you are caught by the police and wish to ask for help from your group please supply grid refs as a minimum and tell the official all you know about the lane and why you thought it was legal to ride.

BRIAN THOMPSON Northern Contractor, e mail briant950@aol.com 16th Dec 2006