Illegal Off-Road Vehicles to Be Seized on the Spot in Wales Amid Rising Environmental Damage
Police in Wales will now seize illegal off-road vehicles on the spot due to increasing damage to protected habitats, warning drivers they face a 'long walk home'.
North Wales Police announced that illegal off-road vehicles causing damage to protected habitats or anti-social behaviour will be seized immediately. New legal powers allow officers to impound vehicles without prior warning, meaning offending drivers will face a long walk home. This measure comes in response to a reported rise in illegal off-roading incidents, including those involving 4x4s and e-bikes.
Highlights
- North Wales Police now have the power to seize illegal off-road vehicles on the spot.
- This authority is granted under the Crime and Policing Act 2026.
- Damage to protected habitats is reportedly increasing, possibly linked to social media sharing.
- Last month, three drivers were convicted for causing 'irreversible' harm to the Berwyn Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), receiving fines over £2,000 and driving bans.
- E-bikes are also reported to cause similar levels of damage as motorbikes.
Details
PC Eryl Lloyd of the North Wales Police's rural crime team stated that his team has observed a significant increase in off-roading incidents. While previous incidents required a warning, the new legislation enables immediate vehicle seizure. Lloyd believes this surge is partly due to social media, where people share locations, attracting drivers from across the UK.
Kirsty Roberts from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) highlighted the irreversible damage caused to peatlands at the Berwyn SSSI. She explained that 40 cm (15 in) of peat depth represents approximately 400 years of growth, and natural recovery of such areas would not occur within a lifetime. This damage to peatlands and vegetation also negatively impacts wildlife, including ground-nesting birds.
Why it matters
These new powers and their enforcement are crucial steps for protecting sensitive natural habitats in Wales. Environmental degradation caused by illegal off-roading can lead to permanent damage in slow-growing ecosystems like peatlands. The police's ability to seize vehicles on the spot aims to increase deterrence, prevent further incidents, and contribute to the preservation of biodiversity.