An order banning vehicles at a popular County Durham beauty spot has been extended for the next two years.
A Temporary Traffic Regulation Order has been in place in Hamsterley Forest for the last six months on a trial basis, with the aim of combatting the use of off-road vehicles. Such vehicles are said to have caused significant damage to the area's natural environment, as well as posing a fire risk to the forest and nearby properties.
The order is in place at Doctors Gate in the forest, and Durham County Council has agreed to extend the order for a further two years due to continued reports of people accessing the lane illegally. The council is carrying out targeted enforcement with the support of Durham Constabulary and signs have been installed at several access points to remind drivers it is illegal to use vehicles in the area unless authorised.
