DRIVERS of off-road vehicles using the the Devil's Punch Bowl and Hindhead Commons have been targeted by police in a bid to improve safety.
The joint operation - between Surrey Police, The National Trust, and Surrey County Council Rights of Way - offered advice about safe and legal riding and driving on the Byways Open to All Traffic (BOAT) at Hindhead.
It was targeted at users of quad bikes, 4x4 vehicles, such as Jeeps and Land Rovers, and scrambler motorcycle riders, following complaints from other users of the common and residents who live in properties bordering the area.
Neighbourhood specialist officer Pc Ralph Swindell and a team of other officers worked closely with Andrew Storey and the Hindhead team from The National Trust, to distribute newsletters offering information on off-road riding and driving.
"We have had complaints from local residents and users of the common that some of these quad bikes and scramblers are being ridden dangerously and some are even been ridden where they aren't supposed to," said Pc Swindell.
"Although we didn't prosecute anybody over the weekend, we wanted to send out a strong message that this will not be tolerated, as well as providing access to the right information."
Vehicles including off-road motorcycles and 4x4s are only permitted on BOATs which are marked on maps and indicated with red arrows .
They cannot use footpaths, bridleways or off-road, and you are committing an offence if riding or driving a vehicle on any land other than a byway. .Driving without care carries a fine of up to £2,500, between three and nine points on your licence or disqualification. Dangerous driving carries a fine of up to £5,000 and between two and six years' imprisonment, disqualification until a test is passed and between three and 11 points. A £20,000 fine can also be issued if vehicles are driven on Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the land is disturbed or damaged.