Park authority facing legal challenge over decision not to use traffic regulation orders to stop use of green lanes by 4x4s and motorbikes

A campaign group is to mount a legal challenge over the Lake District National Park Authority’s decision not to use traffic regulation orders to stop recreational 4x4 and motorbike use of two lanes in the Langdale area.

The Green Lanes Environmental Action Movement (GLEAM) has so far raised £31,728 from nearly 1,000 people via Crowd Justice towards its stretch target of £40,000 for the litigation.

It said more than 350,000 people had signed a petition asking the park authority to make TROs on these routes amid concerns about damage and intrusion.

GLEAM said that at a meeting in October this year, the park authority’s Rights of Way Committee decided to continue its policy of not using the TRO powers it asked for in 2005 and was granted by the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006.

The group added: “Having taken counsel’s opinion, GLEAM thinks the park authority’s decision was unlawful.”

GLEAM has brought in Irwin Mitchell to advise on the challenge.

In a statement the Lake District National Park Authority said: “We can confirm that we have received a letter before action detailing proposed judicial review proceedings against the Authority in respect of its decision made by the Rights of Way committee on 8 October 2019.  

“We are unable to provide any further information at this time.”