Police to Seize Off-Road Vehicles Used Illegally

Police in North Wales are warning off-road drivers that their vehicles will be seized immediately if they are used for anti-social behavior or to damage protected natural areas. The warning comes as authorities report an increase in incidents involving off-road vehicles, including 4x4s, motorbikes, and e-bikes, causing harm to sensitive habitats.

Under new powers introduced by the Crime and Policing Act 2026, officers can now seize vehicles without prior warning. PC Eryl Lloyd, of North Wales Police's rural crime team, stated, "It's a long walk home" for offenders. He noted that previously, a warning was required for such incidents, but the new legislation allows for immediate confiscation.

This enforcement comes after a recent case in August where three men were convicted for causing irreversible damage to the Berwyn Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Videos shared on TikTok showed a convoy of seven vehicles driving through the moorland, significantly damaging the peat and bog habitat. John Robinson and Michael Williams were each fined over £2,000 and disqualified from driving for two months. Joseph Hodgson was ordered to pay £1,000 in compensation and was banned from entering the SSSI for three years.

PC Lloyd indicated that his team has observed a distinct rise in off-roading incidents, attributing it partly to social media, where locations are shared, leading drivers from across the UK, including the northwest of England, the Midlands, and even London, to travel to these areas. Similar issues have been reported in locations like Newborough Forest and Beach on Anglesey, where an increase in wild-camping and associated anti-social behavior, including illegal fires and barbecues, has been observed.

Kirsty Roberts of Natural Resources Wales (NRW) highlighted the severe and long-lasting impact of such damage, particularly on peatlands. She explained that the peat on the Berwyn Range represents around 400 years of growth and that damage to its 40cm depth is effectively irreversible within a human lifetime. This degradation not only harms the slow-growing habitats but also affects wildlife, including ground-nesting birds, and without intervention, the biodiversity loss will be permanent.

Roberts also noted a general increase in anti-social behavior in protected areas, including the dumping of waste and the use of barbecues, on top of the off-roading incidents. Lord Newborough, whose Rhug Estate land in Denbighshire includes the damaged Berwyn area, expressed his distress over the wilful destruction of precious natural sites that he and his family have worked to protect for years. He emphasized that while some areas are designated for public access, this does not condone the damage caused, particularly to nesting birds.

Authorities are urging the public to report any instances of illegal off-roading or anti-social behavior in natural or protected areas.