How can you minimise your impact on the countryside and other users when you’re out on the lanes? Or how about doing your bit to promote 4×4, quad or motorcycle use as an acceptable and sustainable pastime? Remember: You can be a responsible laner and still have a good time on the trail!
Please take some time to read and understand the ATUK Code of Conduct below – we expect all our members to follow this. Why? because this is to give us the best chance to help keep lanes open and fight potential closures.
Code of Conduct
- ONLY use rights of way that are open for public vehicular use. Where possible, use research and local knowledge to ensure that your chosen route is navigable. If challenged then remain courteous, if still not resolved, leave and recheck the legality of the route.
- KEEP to the defined track. If there are obstructions DO NOT leave the legal route. Either abate the obstruction or turn around / back up and re-route.
- Consider walking unfamiliar lanes prior to driving – if in doubt do not continue, there’s always another day.
- DO NOT go out with the intention of using your winch or practising recovery techniques. Winches should be treated as an “insurance policy” and only used when necessary.
- DO NOT use a route that is too narrow for your vehicle – not all byways are wide enough for 4x4s.
- AVOID lanes with vulnerable surfaces in wet conditions, especially in areas of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) where repair options may be very limited.
- EXERCISE caution when crossing fords. Evaluate depth, strength of current and ford surface prior to attempting a crossing. If in any doubt, best give it a miss.
- TAKE note and act on road signs and notices – they may indicate voluntary restraints, one-way systems or a traffic regulation order (TRO).
- TRAVEL at a slow, responsible speed dependant on road surface, conditions and visibility. For 4x4s, a maximum of 15mph is recommended, for quads and motorcycles 25-30mph, conditions permitting.
- KEEP group sizes small, convoys of 4 to 6 with 4 in contentious areas. For quads maximum group size 6, for motorcycles maximum 8.
- MULTIPLE GROUPS - If running multiple groups on the same route then leave at least 30 minutes between groups. If running more than 2 groups, use different routes for each pair of groups -i.e. no more than 2 groups per route. The reasons behind the limit on group size is explained here:-
- You and your vehicle MUST be fully road legal. A current MOT, tax and insurance are a must. You must hold a valid UK or equivalent driving licence.
- RESPECT other users, acknowledge their presence, slow down and give way. Be polite and courteous – even if they aren’t. Public rights of way (PRoW) are shared routes for other user groups as well, they are not roads there just for motorised users.
- BE MINDFUL about what you post on social media. Often photos & videos from social media are used against green laners to provide evidence to support closures. Make sure what you post is NOT detrimental to helping keep lanes open for all.
Green Laning Guide
The following suggestions are to help you attain ‘low impact legend’ status in your 4×4 or on your quad or motorcycle. Most of it is just common sense and courtesy, but it would be beneficial to us all if we follow these guidelines:
- When you meet a horse rider on the trail, best practice is to pull over as far as possible, turn engine off and allow them to pass. Wait until they are well clear before proceeding.
- We advise against laning alone or as a single vehicle.
- Clearing an obstruction (abatement) is a legal right, but only attempt this within your own capabilities and with hand tools or equipment that you would normally carry within your vehicle.
- Remember that you are not allowed to go out with the intention of clearing an obstruction unless you have prior written permission from the council.
- Report any obstructions to your ATUK area representative and / or the local authority.
- Leave gates as you find them, unless there is a sign to say otherwise.
- Be aware of the vehicle behind you in a group, always indicate for junctions in plenty of time and wherever possible, don’t allow them to drop out of sight.
- Follow the Countryside Code. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code/the-countryside-code
- Support local business wherever possible, be considerate when using facilities as a group – you are an ambassador for All Terrain UK and for all recreational vehicle users.
Most of you experienced laners will have been doing this stuff as a matter of course for years. Remember situations on the ground vary greatly, engage common sense at all times and above all – stay safe!