Trail bike and four-wheel drive ban overturned

The Peak District National Park Authority made the experimental Traffic Regulation Order on Chapel Gate – a 3km track which runs between Chapel-en-le-Frith and Edale – in August 2011.

However, after the Trail Riders’ Fellowship made a challenge to the High Court, the ruling was overturned after running for 15 of the intended 18 months.

High Court Judge Mr Justice Ouseley ruled that the precise wording used in the reasons for the order did not fully reflect the experiment being carried out and so quashed the order.

Christopher Pennell, chair of the authority’s audit, resources and performance committee, expressed his disappointment at the ruling.

He said: “We will take time to reflect fully on the legal judgement and the evidence gained to consider whether further restrictions are needed or not.”

Members of the Trail Riders’ Fellowship – who have organised numerous ‘Back to Tarmac’ protests on Peak District roads – said they were ‘delighted’ with the judgement.