Offroad bikers put 'lives at risk' by straying off legal tracks on Salisbury Plain

Wiltshire Police say anybody caught driving illegally will be fined £50 and champion biker Daryl Bolter encouraged riders to drive responsibly.

It comes after the police held an event last week in partnership with the army to highlight safe greenlaning on the Plain.

PC Ian Cooke from Wiltshire's Military Community Police Team said: "There are a number of byways open to traffic, as well as unclassified and classified roads; these are great for greenlaning and everyone is welcome to do this, providing they stick to the designated routes.

"However there are some who choose to go off these roads — putting themselves and the military in danger.

"Bikers and 4x4 drivers may not see the soldiers who are using the Plain to do their job and to take part in exercises. Potentially, we could have a serious incident on the Plain — those riding or driving illegally could cause or be involved in a serious collision."

Police say they regularly patrol and greenlaning issues usually occur at weekends and during the summer holidays.

Lieutenant Colonel Stew Andrews added: "The MOD takes the safety of the public and the military on the training estate very seriously. There's a real concern over the safety of the public and the military, as illegal use of Salisbury Plain is simply just not safe. It's dangerous for everyone – soldiers and those riding or driving off road.

"You must stay on the public rights of way and obey the signs – you and others will then be safe."

Enduro Racing Champion Daryl Bolter encouraged those to look up online the areas of the Plain which are open to bikers and 4x4 drivers.

He said: "There are miles of greenlaning opportunities in the shape of legal byways, classified and unclassified roads across this beautiful plain. There is no excuse to venture off these and ride or drive illegally."

For more information on which routes can be legally used visit wiltshire.gov.uk/communityanddriving/rightsofway