POLICE carried out an operation last week to tackle those driving illegally off-road around Tidworth and Ludgershall.

Officers from the Tidworth Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs) and the Roads Policing Unit used 4x4s and specialist off-road motorbikes to intercept people illegally driving on Salisbury Plain.

Dozens of vehicle users were spoken to during the operation, which sought to engage with the community in both an educational and enforcement capacity.

Police issued fines totalling £400 as well as six Section 59 antisocial behaviour warnings. The vehicles of those who received warnings will be seized if they are caught again in similar circumstances within the next 12 months, anywhere in England and Wales.

Officers also discovered a motorbike which they believe may have been stolen and inquiries are ongoing to establish the owner.

Sgt John Hutchings said: “The NPTs are committed to working together with specialist roads policing units to tackle this type of crime, and operations similar to this are ongoing in the community.

“So if you are driving off road please make sure you are driving sensibly and have all the correct documents. The consequences of not doing so are fines, vehicle seizures and or court appearances.”

More information about the use of scramblers, mini motos and other all terrain vehicles can be found at Salisbury Police Station.