TOURISM in Worcestershire could benefit from the development of a 21st century rights of way network suitable for off-road vehicles.

"We have some fantastic countryside and local rural economies would stand to benefit if we had a network from John o' Groats to Land's End," said Dave Gunster, Worcestershire spokesman for the Trail Riders Fellowship.

"A lot of European countries, including Holland and Germany, have started to clamp down on motor vehicles using country lanes."

Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael has said there is a place in the countryside for all users of rights of way, whether on foot or on wheels.

"But the use must be responsible, sustainable and appropriate. Our proposals will give clarity to enable that to happen," said Mr Michael.

Rights of way

"We need a rights of way network that responds to the needs of the 21st century. The pressures of modern-day use are very different to those 100 or more years ago and new legislation is needed to reflect these changes."

Mr Gunster, who has enjoyed riding his trail bike on green lanes for around nine years, welcomed the Minister's comments.

"What he said is perfect. It is just what we want," he said.

"Cyclists have proper rights of way and so do ramblers, but the number of people with four-wheel drive vehicles is growing and they want to be able to use them lawfully in the countryside."

He was less enthusiastic about the Minister's recommendation that councils should continue to use Traffic Regulation Orders to control the use of green lanes.

"Unfortunately TROs are open to abuse," he said.

"It is reasonable to use them to prevent tracks from being churned up.

"But some local authorities will just use them continuously to keep vehicles away, because it is cheaper and less hassle than closing the road down legally."