I WRITE to express my concern and dismay at sections 61 and 62 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill (NERC) as they wend their way to becoming law.

It is not only bad legislation it is plain wrong and unjust. Also, why is its effect being backdated to penalise citizens for complying with the earlier Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000?

The sole aim of S61 and S62 is to remove recreational vehicle use of unsurfaced roads. Defra has even had the nerve to tell MPs that is not the case. It will in fact remove long held public rights from over half these roads and set in place measures that will result in the loss of all of them. If you have any doubts examine the detail for yourself.

The deceitful reasons given by the powerful groups behind this such as GLEAM and GLPG is that recreational use destroys the roads and the tranquillity of the countryside. This is completely untrue everywhere but one or two hotspots. In fact the Government's own research shows 62 per cent and the heaviest axle loading (hence damaging) use is by land management vehicles which (rightly) will not be prohibited.

The Institute of Public Rights of Way Inspectors stated that the problem with recreational vehicle use was perceived rather than actual. GLEAM and GLPG talk of an anachronism that cart and carriage rights gave rise to motor rights but that is how all of our roads arose with the exception of motorways and town bypasses.

The roads being removed are simply those that are unclassified and often unsurfaced. Many of us enjoy a drive in the countryside, a few of us use roads that others shy away from for fear of damage to their vehicle is that so awful?

These are roads by right, I am not talking about the footpaths or bridleways that they are often deliberately confused with.

I would sympathise with the proponents of S61 and S62 if it solved any of the problems it uses as justification but it will not. It is true there are some problems with vehicles in the countryside but these are from illegal use or excessive noise usually linked to illegal exhaust systems. NERC is likely to not only increase illegal use but spread it.

Let me explain this. Currently legal vehicle users are only permitted on five per cent of the RoW network. After NERC the legal users will have vehicles that are much devalued. Their options will be to sell the vehicle at low cost to someone who will use it illegally or continue illegally themselves. As all trails will be illegal what will the incentive be for these illegal users to keep to the unsurfaced roads? So the hooligan element already on loud racing machines will be joined by either more people or receive a source of low-cost vehicles.

Incidentally the theft of off road motorcycles is of epidemic proportions with little interest from police who seem to regard it as similar to theft of a bicycle.

What we needed was better management, enforcement of current law and some well thought out legislation to further reduce noise levels from ALL vehicles. That opportunity has been thrown away because S61 and S62 are really nothing more than a veil of disguise over a land grab. Government should be dealing with root causes not pandering to hyperbole and bigotry. Will no one stand up for principles any more? Can we not have honest legislation based on fact? This is, I know, a small matter to busy politicians but it is symptomatic of a greater malaise. Most parliamentarians are going along with this without question.

Prejudice leads to an assumption of guilt by anyone who dares ride a motorcycle. Most legal trail riders are middle aged or older professionals and we are being penalised as an easy political target whilst the trouble makers continue unchecked.

Ian Packer, High Wycombe