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A new initiative to tackle illegal off-roading across Caerphilly County Borough is now in motion.

The project funds two police officers, a Land Rover, a quad bike, and a drone to help catch people who ride scramblers, quad bikes, and motorbikes illegally on the mountainsides. 

Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent, and Caerphilly councils, along with Gwent Police, have been running the project since the start of November.

The project operates across the three local authorities, which funded the project with a combined total of £122,220 from UK Shared Prosperity Funding.

By December 15, the project had led to the seizure of ten illegal off-road vehicles. 

Superintendent Mike Richards, who oversees the policing response in Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, and Torfaen, said: “Our neighbourhood teams are acutely aware of the impact dangerous off-road activity can have on our communities and continue to carry out regular zero-tolerance operations across Gwent. 

“I’d like to thank our partners, whose continued support will allow us to address the issue head-on in the coming years, but I’d also like to thank the public. 

“We need to know where these bikes are being used and stored so we can seize them and identify individuals who often show no regard for their fellow road users, neighbours or pedestrians.”

“Major problems”

Labour councillor Rob Chapman, who represents the Darran Valley ward, told Caerphilly Observer he is in favour of the initiative. 

Cllr Chapman said: “I agree with any initiative if it helps to stop it.”

He added: “We have got major problems up here.”

Cllr Chapman described his ward as a rural area and said it faces unique problems as a result – with off-roading a big issue. 

He added that just a few weeks ago in Fochriw, four off-road quads came through the village and “cut up all the grass”. 

The initiative is set to run until March 2025 and will complement Gwent Police’s Operation Harley, which also aims to combat illegal off-roading.

Cllr Chapman added: “I’m all in favour of any initiative that can cut it down a bit. 

“Perhaps we’ll have some success.”