Devon TRF Group Forum

Liz · Novice

Lets vote for the party which will overturn NERCA

Liz · Novice

Already the Conservatives have failed, their email bounced. However, I thought I would give him a second chance, so I phoned the contact number and left a message requesting his email. I will keep you informed!

Hoops · Elite

Brilliant Liz, something I thought of but haven't done. Really interested in what they say. Right, back to work......

Hoops · Elite

Sorry, you might have already seen this that might help - Honourary members of GLEAM:

House of Commons

Labour:
Nick Ainger, Charlotte Atkins, John Austin, Roger Berry, David Borrow, Colin Challen, Ann Cryer, Andrew Dismore, Bill Etherington, Paul Flynn, Alan Hurst, Martyn Jones, Tom Levitt, Dr.Dennis MacShane, John Mann, Robert Marshall-Andrews, Alan Meale, Austin Mitchell, Elliot Morley, Eddie O'Hara, Albert Owen, Gordon Prentice, Martin Salter, Anne Snelgrove, Paddy Tipping, Dr. Desmond Turner, Alan Whitehead, Betty Williams. (28)

Conservative:
Peter Ainsworth, James Arbuthnot, Peter Atkinson, Henry Bellingham, Richard Benyon, Tim Boswell, Peter Bottomley, Graham Brady, Julian Brazier, David Cameron, Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Sir Patrick Cormack, Stephen Crabb, David Curry, Michael Fabricant, Edward Garnier, Cheryl Gillan, Robert Goodwill, James Gray, Damian Green, John Greenway, Dominic Grieve, John Gummer, William Hague. Mark Harper, Charles Hendry, Gerald Howarth, Boris Johnson, Robert Key, Oliver Letwin, David Lidington, Peter Luff, Anne McIntosh, Patrick McLoughlin, Maria Miller, James Paice, Andrew Robathan, Andrew Rosindell, Bob Spink, Andrew Turner, Andrew Tyrie, Ed Vaizey, Robert Walter, Bill Wiggin, Robert Wilson, Ann Winterton, Tim Yeo, Sir George Young. (48)

Liberal Democrat:
Norman Baker, Edward Davey, Julia Goldsworthy, Mike Han****, Dr. Evan Harris, Nick Harvey, David Heath, Martin Horwood, Paul Keetch, Mark Oaten, Bob Russell, Matthew Taylor, Phil Willis. (13)

Kind of rules out all of them

Harty · Devon's Best

Just got this reply from my Labour candidate!

As an ex police motorcyclist and ex Landrover Owner who used to enjoyed green lanes I understand your position. However I cannot support your proposals.

Unfortunately the use of motor vehicles, be it off road vehicles or motorcycles has, in some areas done a great amount of damage to unsealed minor roads and byways.

As a County we depend on tourists and walkers who contribute an immense amount to the income of the area. In view of this I could not support any changes in the current situation.

As to your point of more people using motorbikes, this is obviously an individual decision which I do not feel that government should be involved in.

Regarding overgrown rights of way. Devon County Council together with your local Parish or Town Councils have a responsibility of keeping these accessible. We have had this problem in my area and the authorities have opened up these rights of way. albeit after some persuasion

I realise that this means that I am unlikely to get your vote, but appreciate you raising the issue with me.

Regards

Vernon

Vernon Whitlock

Labour Party Candidate
Won't be getting my vote

Feathers · Clubman A

Well Mr Vernon Whitlock doesnt appear to want any of the DTRF votes or that of any other groups/clubs that use these byways in an appropriate manner.

Not wanting to judge him by his reply (actually i will) i feel (and only my opinion) that the bloke has had his fun and now has become a killjoy for those of us that WANT to use lanes in the right manner. And i can imagine him sat ther thinking about 'all us off roaders tearing the place up'....

Wont get my vote either.... smile

TTR · Powermonger!!

Liz wrote:
Just read my April Trail and the article on page 5. As an undecided voter, thought it a good idea to email the local candidates as to their views on access by all to the countryside.

It is easy to do, one email to all parties which provide an email address for questions on their fliers. The article in Trail gave some suggested questions.

I'll let you know their replies as I receive them.

Excellent idea Liz! Trouble is that I am a very poor typist and time is tight.

Has anyone typed up the TRAIL magazine questions and is willing to put them here so that everyone (non-TRF members included) can personalise them and send them to their candidates?

Pearcy · Expert

Well said Feathers, thats seems my veiw to this blokes answer.

Thats one who candidate who can kiss my butt.

Hoops · Elite

Is it worth politely replying to Mr. Whitlock? You could point out the following:

His view is, unfortunately, typical of those who don't properly understand our past-time, which is surprising given his previous use of "green lanes". I'd point out that nationally, motorised users have access to around 3% of the "green lanes" that were once available to us. Is 97% not enough for "tourists and walkers"? Is he a member of GLEAM?

Our past-time is perfectly legal and the TRF is pivotal in ensuring that "green lanes" are used legally and responsibly. I would be interested in his evidence of damage; quite often such damage is caused by other use - both legal and illegal - examples being tractors and so on. Those who seek to undermine us frequently turn this evidence against us when in fact it was not caused by legitimate vehicular use. Sadly, as in all areas of life, there are some people who will not enjoy the countryside responsibly and the TRF distances itself from them and will actively support the authorities in preventing such abuses. The TRF has a Code of Conduct which ensures our members ride legally and considerately.

In Devon we enjoy good relationships with other users and the TRF goes out of its way to encourage the responsible use of "green lanes" by and for all users.

Motorcycle and wider vehicular use of "green lanes" does bring benefits to the local economy by use of shops, pubs, campsites, not to mention the local industry geared to supporting motorcyclists. In fact, there are motorcycling businesses playing a large part in their communities, two often cited examples are Wheel don Farm in Devon and the Geraint Jones Training School in South Wales. Additionally, the TRF supports the wider population by providing services to non-motorcyclists such as marshalling at horse events.

The TRF is prepared to help - often free of charge - local authorities who require assistance in maintaining "green lanes". Sadly, this help is often turned down despite the TRF having members from all walks of life who are able to provide a safe, proper and professional service that costs the taxpayer nothing, resulting in "green lanes" becoming available to all users.

Comparatively speaking, I would estimate that our past-time is environmentally friendly. How often have you seen large groups of walkers arrive at a venue, two a piece in large gas-guzzling Land Rovers?

Some of the figures would need double-checking first (they're from memory and I haven't checked them myself).

xtriple · Champion

Wasn't going to vote for any labour candidate anyway (never have) but his response seems to me to a pretty typical viewpoint of most politicians regarding our hobby.

We are percieved badly by the ill informed masses, and other users that abuse the lanes certainly don't help in this viewpoint. We need to have political clout as the Rambliars have discovered and used to their advantage.

This is why we need more members and a general concensus for the TRF (and our friends) to actively lobby politicians on our behalf or our hobby and enjoyment of the green lanes will be marginalised.

Without some form of aggressive policy of education of our political masters we are, as a group lost.

Liz · Novice

The Conservative candidate Gary Streeter ignored my general question about motorcycle use. His reply to

".....I am keen to know whether you support access to the countryside by all, whether wheelchair bound, disabled or not, or are you of the view that the countryside should be exclusively for walkers and those able to afford horse-riding

If elected, what attempts would you make to reverse the growing privatization of public roads, and return the countryside back for all to use"

was "I support access to these roads for sustainable pursuits such as walking"

Sorry Gary - no vote from me!

Fixer · Sportsman

I e-mailed all three 'main' parties in an attempt to find out what their position was on NERCA. I did it through their own websites (Head Office not local) on the 14th April...
You will not be surprised to know that I'm still waiting for a reply from any of them!

Not to be outdone I also e-mailed the editor of Motor Cycle News the following on 21st April..

Good morning

I'm a motorcyclist with 42 years of happy motorcycling behind me and many in front I hope. I ride a Honda Valkyrie, a KTM SM-T and a Yamaha TTR250.I ride all year round.

I belong to the TRF and the Tamar Valley Trail Riders (www.tvtr.co.uk) and it is with this 'hat' on that I'm writing to you regarding the NERC Act (Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006).

This act was rushed into place and consequently trail riding lost a huge amount of 'green lanes' that we could ride along to enjoy the countryside. Somerset lost so many lanes that it is nearly impossible to continue the recreational pastime of 'green laning' without going into Devon or Dorset.

I've heard that if the Tories get in (are they all tarred with the same brush?) they will repeal the NERC Act. To this end I e-mailed the Conservative Party and the Liberal Democrat Party asking what their stance on the NERC Act was...that was over a week ago and guess what...no reply has been forthcoming.

Could you add some weight to this and find out which party I should be voting for on May 6th?

Regarding the 3 main party's politics....Labour seem committed to fighting a war I don't want and to propping up a Bank system that costs me money normally - and now I've got to pay for their excesses - but are any of the other parties different. I will happily vote Communist if they give me the green lanes back!

Thank you

I'm still waiting for an answer from them...even an acknowledgement would have been nice!

-- Edited by Fixer on Sunday 2nd of May 2010 06:27:55 PM

Harty · Devon's Best

This is the Lib Dem reply:

Dear Mark,

Thanks for your message.

Having looked through our manifesto I can't say I've found anything specific on this question.

I can certainly say I support access to the countryside by all though.

Best wishes,

Dr Jon Underwood

Parliamentary Candidate, Tiverton and Honiton Liberal Democrats

The local choice for change in Tiverton and Honiton

Millmead

Axmouth

SEATON

Devon

EX12 4AE

FBF · Clubman A

Well I think I can guess what the Green party's response will be. biggrin

xtriple · Champion

FBF wrote:

Well I think I can guess what the Green party's response will be.

You never know Paul, they could surprise us all! biggrin

mattxr400 · Sportsman

They are not interested in green lane use, they probably dont even know what a byway is generaly used for (or care) im not voting, never have never will, its a byway so use it!

Im sure they have more things to think about than a byway!

Just my opinion.

Hoops · Elite

Harty wrote:
This is the Lib Dem reply:

Dear Mark,

Thanks for your message.

Having looked through our manifesto I can't say I've found anything specific on this question.

I can certainly say I support access to the countryside by all though.

Best wishes,

Dr Jon Underwood
Parliamentary Candidate, Tiverton and Honiton Liberal Democrats
The local choice for change in Tiverton and Honiton

Millmead
Axmouth
SEATON
Devon
EX12 4AE

Reasonably positive I suppose!

Liz · Novice

The reply from my Conservative MP, Gary Streeter was bland and he clearly did not understand the issue. So, I thanked him for his reply. (now there is a story here which I will expand on later as I am supposed to be working!)

RESULT I have just receved a phone call from Gary Streeter, who if re-elected would like to meet me to discuss rights of way issues, he confessed to not appreciating that there were alternative views and user groups. (I shall have have to edit this later - the boss is calling).

Pearcy · Expert

Liz,

That is an interesting phone call - I would be very interested to hear the result of that.

With regards to Doc Underwood, He has done well for himself - made a fortune in the city banking world, bought a lovely house on the outskirts of my town, even has a couple of fields on Axmouth straight.

I wonder if his policy to support access to the country side for all, would include the use of his field?

Funny, but I don't remember seeing the kids sledging in "those" fileds when we had all the snow.

Torr · Expert

IF the country decided on political reform to bring about the fair system of proportional representation, and IF the TRF should decide to put up a candidate instead of just being a pressure group, and we all voted for the TRF candidate(s) we could possibly or even just maybe get a parlimentary seat!!!!!

After all with PR..... The Raving Loonie Party would have ousted Thatcher and her gang... back in those long dark days of wealth creation for the few!!!

I DON@T DO POLITIKS.COM

Fixer · Sportsman

Mr Streeter is telling porkies! I've been in almost constant touch with him over Whipples Lane so he knows all about the TRF and whatwe do. Perhaps it's because Liz is a female that he's interested in meeting???

TTR · Powermonger!!

Not heard back from any of my lot yet but guess they are all too busy now....

For non-TRF forumites, this may (or may not) help - I haven't broken any confidences as it has already appeared on the public TBM forum:

The following is reproduced from the latest issue of Trail: the TRF magazine.

You don't have to be a TRF member to do what follows, but if you don't do it then you have no reason to moan when the next pile of legislative SH1T arrives.

If the pundits are to be believed, then the
coming General Election may well result in a
hung parliament, with the outcome in the
marginals holding or swinging on just a few
votes, and interest blocks. Here,
motorcyclists could have a significant effect on
results. If you have the opportunity to question
candidates on their attitude to motorcycling in
general, and trail riding in particular, then
please do so, and let the TRF know what
response you get. Please send the questions
you asked, and the reply you got (and from
whom), to: southandsouthwest @trf.org.uk

This General Election sees more sitting MPs
standing down than any in modern times.
Asking the sitting MP about his or her track
record on, e.g., the Natural Environment and
Rural Communities Act 2006, will therefore
not be possible in many constituencies, and
that Act is starting to slip into history in
parliamentary terms anyway. These questions
are mainly applicable to England and Wales,
but do have some impact in Scotland, and
MPs for Scottish constituencies can vote on
England and Wales national legislation,
although issues affecting Wales are
increasingly being considered and
commenced independently.

At the time of writing this (early April) the best
way to find out who are the main candidates
in your constituency is via the principal
parties web sites. Once the election is
announced, and candidacy papers are
lodged, it is likely that the BBC News website,
www.direct.gov.uk/ and other local resources
will have a full national list.
Conservative Party:
http://www.conservatives.com/People/Prosp
ective_Parliamentary_Candidates.aspx
http://www.labour.org.uk/ppc
The Liberal Democrats:
http://www.libdems.org.uk/parliamentary_c
andidates.aspx
UK Ind Party:
http://candidates.ukip.org/
Plaid Cymru:
http://www.plaidcymru.org/content.php?nID
=10;lID=1
The Green Party seems to have prospective
candidates on a local area website basis.
They are fielding 300 candidates, but do not
have one central list.

At the beginning of April the BNP site carried
nothing about prospective Parliamentary
candidates.

The current sitting Members of Parliament are
listed here:
http://www.parliament.uk/mpslordsandoffic
es/mps_and_lords/alms.cfm

These are some specimen questions to ask, but
feel free to modify them to your own viewpoint
or local circumstances. The last two questions,
specific to NERCA 2006 and to traffic
regulation orders, may simply be too
technical for candidates who have not been
MPs before, so use your judgement in
deciding what to ask. Try to keep questions
simple. Long, multi-part questions tend to get
vague answers:
1. I am a motorcyclist. I often feel that
motorcyclists get a rough deal from the
government, although there are millions of us,
and we are mostly mature, responsible
citizens. Do you have a motorcycle driving
licence? Do you have a view on motorcycling
as both transport and recreation?
2. As a motorcyclist, I am also what is known
as a trail rider. I use my road-legal, quiet,
machine to explore the minor roads and
byways of Britain in a responsible and
sustainable way. In recent years my activity has
been progressively squeezed out of the
countryside. Do you believe that I have a
legitimate expectation to be able to enjoy
Britains minor highways, along with walkers,
horse riders and cyclists?
3. There is undoubtedly a problem caused by
cowboy motorcyclists, making noise and
driving where they should not be (e.g. in
country parks and nature sites). My friends and
I are not cowboys, yet we are usually caught
by the measures imposed to prevent the illegal
use - measures that often do not address the
problem and only bite on hitherto legitimate
and responsible motorcyclists. No government
would dream of penalising innocent people on
the basis of the race, ethnicity, gender, or
sexual preferences, but governments do on the
basis of peoples hobbies and transport. What
is your view on this?
4. It seems to me that there is a steady trend
towards privatising the countryside, making
more roads access only, and giving more
powers to the National Parks. Do you agree
that Britains highway network, and the
freedom of the individual to use and enjoy it,
are fundamental rights that must be protected?
5. As a recreational motorcyclist I spend a lot of
money in the countryside over a year. As a
group we are significant contributors to the
rural economy. Do you understand that not
everyone wishes to walk or cycle, and that the
spend of the private motorist remains crucial
to the survival of many (probably most) rural
cafes, shops, petrol stations and B&Bs?
6. Public facilities in the countryside require
sufficient investment to keep them usable. Our
network of byways and public paths is a jewel
in the crown of Britain, and must have enough
resources to keep it in repair and to prevent
obstructions. Will you defend the publics
access to our minor highways and ensure that
sufficient funds are allocated and applied?
7. In 2006, Parliament passed an Act (Natural
Environment & Rural Communities Act) that
closed many old roads to motorcyclists. From
sensible beginnings the Bill was hijacked, and
the end result is a nonsense. Many good and
sustainable routes were closed to motorcycles,
whilst some others that were left open to
motorists are not sustainable. This Act created a
nonsense situation that even closed some
proper tarmac roads. If elected, would
you/your party be prepared to rescind the bad
parts of NERCA 2006 and create a workable,
equitable statute?
8. Often, a local highway authority will impose
a traffic regulation order on an unmetalled
road to manage traffic by prohibiting it. The
law requires these roads to be maintained at
public expense, yet the power to prohibit the
public is regularly being abused. What will
your party do to rectify this situation?

By Alan Kind and Dave Tilbury

baskie2000 · Novice

what asbout spacificaly allowing just 2 wheels viechels??? because we all know that its the big 110 defenders and jeeps that ruin the contry side.a fat bugger with some big shoes on probably cause more damage than some little kid on a 125 . lol. seems a shame we been tied with the same brush as the gas guzzling 2.5 tonne landrover buggers. how did u get on chap??