Press Release Regarding a New Initiative being used by: 

What will you meet in the woods today?
Read the signs to find out! 

The TRF were pleased to learn that the Surrey Hills AONB have taken, what they describe as a “no-nonsense” approach to signage on BOATs with the aim of educating all users in the hope of reducing conflict. They rightly say that just because there is no tarmac it does not mean that a route is not open to vehicles. At the same time motorised users, carriage drivers, the AONB, landowners and police are working together to clamp down on illegal and irresponsible use by those who drive and ride ‘off  piste’ with vehicles that do not meet the legal requirements. Surrey Hills AONB say that “Conflict between the different users, often caused by ignorance of BOAT status, has been greatly increased by illegal activity by an irresponsible minority of 4x4 drivers and trail bikers who prefer the thrills and spills of the banks and ditches, forests and swamps on private land off the carriageway. Driving vehicles without registration plates or insurance, they cause enormous damage to the countryside and are committing serious criminal offences as well as creating a nuisance for local residents. The police are keen to enforce legal use of the BOATS and clamp down on these dangerous activities.” The signs, produced in association with Surrey County Council, are being reinforced by similar leaflets distributed by responsible vehicular user groups to anyone on the BOATs. The Police representative, PC Jo Morris, asked that anyone observing illegal vehicular activity in the AONB should note as many descriptive details as possible, and the registration numbers of any vans unloading bikes, and pass them on to the police at this number 0845 125 2222, using the location details and police reference on the signs.