Green Laning 8th July

[Pat Ferrett]

I have to say Matt, that I'm yet to be convinced that driving along these byways in the name of "fun" is good for the 4x4 image. Yes, they need to be used to maintain their status, but if you have a desire to get all wet and dirty, then surely, the more responsible attitude would be to enter into an organised event at a proper venue which can take the harm from this type of activity.

 

Or perhaps I'm missing something and need convincing of the "green laning" value.

 

Im with you on this Pete, I said the same thing to him in the chat room last night.

[HCR]

I can see it from both sides - vehicles are entitled to use green lanes recorded on the definitive map as BOATs/RUPPs as was. This is the same as the bobble-hat brigade's entitlement to use footpaths recorded on the definitive map, and I don't see them keeping away when appropriateness is questioned. They claim BOATs weren't designed for modern vehicles, but then footpaths weren't designed with hordes of orange Goretex-clad ramblers in mind either.

 

However, common sense demands that damage is minimised, land-owners are not inconvenienced and the law is adhered to.

[Treewolf]

Matt, I though that the Ox Drove currently had a Voluntary Restraint agreement in operation on it for its entire length (at least it had signs to this effect last time I was up that way, a few months back). Has this now been lifted?

 

To be honest the ground everywhere is so wet at the moment that I would hold off the green laning for a while, it won't do the 4x4 reputation any good to damage surfaces to the extent which could easily happen.

 

Play in the floods instead!

[PeteB]

I can see it from both sides - vehicles are entitled to use green lanes recorded on the definitive map as BOATs/RUPPs as was. This is the same as the bobble-hat brigade's entitlement to use footpaths recorded on the definitive map, and I don't see them keeping away when appropriateness is questioned. They claim BOATs weren't designed for modern vehicles, but then footpaths weren't designed with hordes of orange Goretex-clad ramblers in mind either.

 

However, common sense demands that damage is minimised, land-owners are not inconvenienced and the law is adhered to.

 

Oh, I couldn't agree more. But "vehicles are entitled to use greenlanes" should be interpreted as being for necessity and not for fun if an alternative is available.

 

Don't get me wrong, I've had to do a load of 4x4 stuff following overhead lines for 17 years. But when I see rutted or flooded trackways, I think of the further damage to the environment that can occur and the wrath of the land owners, LA and stollers that could bring about a total ban on anything leaving the tarmac.

 

If you join someone like the AWDC or some such, they have venues whereby one can go and splash and swamp without raising the hackles of the walkers etc.

[HCR]

As it happens, I don't think I have ever used a BOAT/RUPP recreationally, it just doesn't feel right to me. I've used plenty in the course of my work over the years, and obviously plenty of stuff that has no particular legal status.

 

Recreation is just better served on private land if you ask me.

 

I just get a little annoyed with the double standards that the Ramblers show sometimes and feel that other 4x4 drivers (ie other than me) should be free to make responsible choices if they wish.

[Graham]

I love my green laning but on a bike not a 4x4. Far less damage and you get to go above 4 mph:001_smile:

 

Most of my 'laning' is done in the Peaks and Wales (far more technical and demanding) with occasional trips further afield. What I will say about the majority of 4x4 drivers is that they seem to get their kicks from getting stuck and winching each other off rock steps...some sort of weird gratification.

 

They have done themselves no favours in the Peaks by dismantling walls to reduce rock steps, driving to the edge of severely rutted sections onto farmland (and they caused the ruts in the first place) and generally blocking the lanes up in their slow procession.

[Matthew Arnold]

Matt, I though that the Ox Drove currently had a Voluntary Restraint agreement in operation on it for its entire length (at least it had signs to this effect last time I was up that way, a few months back). Has this now been lifted?

 

To be honest the ground everywhere is so wet at the moment that I would hold off the green laning for a while, it won't do the 4x4 reputation any good to damage surfaces to the extent which could easily happen.

 

Play in the floods instead!

 

The VRO was lifted at the end of April. We only did lanes that had been driven previously. The Chitterne Down video was difficult to film as it was so slippery thanks to a group of off roaders in front doing donuts and repeatedly going through the puddles. We don't drive down a lane if we know it is going to be cut up severely. if there are ruts we stay in them and dont make fresh tracks.