The ‘leaked’ letter from Meacher to police

The following is the reported content of Meacher’s leaked letter. While the Department of the Environment has not confirmed its contents, it has said it " does not discuss leaked documents " and has made no denial.

" I am writing to you and to other Chief Police Officers with responsibility for all or parts of a National Park or Area of Outstanding Beauty (AONB), to seek your help in dealing with the growing problem of motorcycling on roads in these areas.

The number of motorcyclists appears to be increasing and they are using ever more powerful machines at greater speeds. Road safety is the responsibility of the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, but this Department is concerned about rural issues generally, and, in this case, about the impact not only on people living along the routes but also on visitors. National Parks and AONB’s have been designated because of their importance for the nation as a whole and the activities of irresponsible motorcyclists can interfere with people’s enjoyment of their beauty and other special qualities.

While I recognise that motorcyclists cause problems elsewhere too, I am especially concerned about the designated areas because of their national importance and because their special qualities can make them particularly attractive to motorcyclists. I have looked at whether any action specific to National Parks and AONB’s might be taken.

Under s.22 of the 1984 Road Traffic Regulation Act (as amended by s.66 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000), local authorities can regulate traffic by means of traffic regulation orders in special areas of the countryside. Such an order could be used to prevent the use of roads by certain types of vehicle where they cause damage or danger. However, I am advised that local authorities would need to justify their proposals and it is highly improbable that they could defend a ban on all motorcycles on a particular road.

It therefore falls to you to continue to deal with the problems through enforcement of the legislation on speeding and dangerous driving, and I am writing to urge you to do so. I know that effective action has already been taken by some police forces and hope that the national roll-out of the new scheme for funding speed cameras in high-risk areas will help. National Park Authorities are those local authorities with responsibility for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty may be able to advise on the worst trouble-spots.

I am copying this letter to David Jamieson, Parliamentary Under Secretary for Transport, and to Sue Essex, Environment Minister at the National Assembly for Wales, who has responsibility for National Parks and AONB’s in Wales. Copies also go to Martin Fitton, Chief Executive of the Association of National Park Authorities and Mike Taylor, Secretary of the Association of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

If any kindly Chief Constable would like to confirm he has indeed received the above, you would be very welcome.