News release

31 January 2008

Hutt River Trail no go for trail, mini and quad bikes

An increasing level of complaints regarding trail, mini and quad bikes using the Hutt River Trail has prompted Greater Wellington to step up enforcement action against riders.

Greater Wellington has joined forces with the Hutt and Upper Hutt city councils and NZ Police to discourage motorised vehicles along the river corridor and prosecute riders who continue to flout the law. All motorised vehicles are banned from the river corridor under council bylaws.

Complaints have been made about speed, noise and danger to other users of the river. The police will increase patrolling of the area over the summer and are working closely with Greater Wellington to identify hot-spots where riding is a continual problem.

“We’ve noticed an increase in the use of the Hutt River Trail by motorised vehicles, especially since mini bikes have become more readily available from either the internet or dealers,” says Thane Walls, Greater Wellington Hutt River Ranger.

“While Greater Wellington maintains a ranger service on the Hutt River Trail, it’s difficult for us to respond directly to each incident, given that the trail extends right from Te Marua near Upper Hutt to the Hikoikoi Reserve at Seaview. By involving the police and local authorities, we can increase the pressure on illegal riders.”

Greater Wellington is also asking users of the Hutt River Trail and neighbouring residents to report illegal riders, either by calling the police on *555 or Greater Wellington on 04 384 5708.

Trail, mini and quad bike riding are permitted in Greater Wellington’s Akatarawa Forest. For more information about riding areas, call 04 526 4133.

ENDS

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