Cartman's guide rules for lanes

Some people operating 4x4's use the excuse that 'All rights-of-way should be treated in the same way as 'de-restricted' country roads'. 'As the limit there is 60mph, so it applies here, so what?'. 'If my vehicle and I can 'take it, what's the problem?'

Please just remember when you're on that 'lane.........

What you do reflects on everyone in a 4x4.

They may be highways in all senses of the word but the surface is usually poorly maintained (despite the local authorities obligations). Churning up the surface only increases the bad press that we, wrongly, receive.

You are not the only one on that road. Others use it and have a right to. How would you feel to find a hooligan approaching you at high speed in an 'off-roader'?

These are the guidelines that I attempt to follow, and so do others that respect both the environment and the riders, walkers and cyclists that also populate those rights of way, RUPP's, and BOATS that we have currently have the right to pass over. If we show humility and respect for other users then they may not follow the media hype.

1. Ensure that you have the right to be there - A) Check with the definitive map held by your local authority; B) the maps retained by your club rights-of-'way officer, or C) failing that refer to the latest issue of the Landranger Ordnance Survey maps. All R.o.W.'s known at the time of issue should be shown. But this is still no 100% guarantee of your rights to use those 'lanes'. To be safe, be sure that you can be there - a civil suit from a land owner for trespass cannot usually be fought and won on the premis of a 'Sorry, Guv I didn't know' excuse. Remember, you have identification fixed to both the front and rear of your vehicle (or should have) someone will make note and report you - sometimes even if you have a right to be there and if a lane is T.R.O.'d then obey it. You may not agree with it, but that's no excuse. If you break it then we all get tarred.

2. Respect other users. If you come across horses pull over, switch off your engine and allow them to pass before you restart. Cyclists and walkers should be passed at very slow speed ,if there is sufficient room to do so. If not or they have a dog (or similar) then they should be treated in the same way as above.

3. Limit your speed on unsurfaced roads (mud/dirt/hoggin' etc.) to 15 MPH MAXIMUM (less is more as the saying goes). Speed is dangerous, anti-social, attracts unwanted attention, and causes unnecessary damage to the road surface. If you wish to drive fast in the dirt enter your vehicle in a Safari Comp on private land.

4. Avoid the use of over aggressive tyres. If you are using a lane that requires such then you shouldn't be there. Deep harsh tractor treads or Super Swampers may get you through but destroy it for others. Correct use of winches can be acceptable if no damage is caused. But even then if it is that bad.............?

If it's this bad then why are you on this lane ? !!!!!!

5. Greet everyone you meet with a smile. There is nothing that stumps an aggressive nimby more than pleasantries in the face of abuse.

6. Travel in a maximum group size of 5 vehicles. Long convoys attract attention. If more of you are travelling the same lanes then separate the group by 10-15 minutes.

7. Take a mobile phone. CB's are useful for local and inter-group comms but trying to raise any form of assistance on the CB is usually not much better than useless.

8. If you do drive lanes as a lone vehicle then drive the easy ones that you know. As above, take a mobile. Be prepared. Ensure your vehicle is in good order - not the 'Oh dear that rattle that I have had for the past month turns out to be terminal', excuse. A spare fan belt and a gallon of water is most useful if you need them when stranded 3 miles from the nearest road. Better still - drive accompanied.

9. If you spot obvious fly tipping like this then report it to you County Council R.o.W. officer with a grid reference and an approximate location (road No. area etc.). This is on the increase all over the UK and costs you in clearance costs which come from your wage packet. So if you spot dumping then take notes and report it. Also, guess who gets the blame for most of the debris dumped on R.o.W. vehicles (i.e. US?).

If you see this then report it!!

10. If you are driving a narrow R.o.W. with no turning points stop in an appropriate and non-obstructing spot and walk the lane first. Reversing for 2 miles due to a non-removable obstruction is literally a pain in the neck! - I know!

Updated 13 January 2003

me at pjboomer@freeuk.com