Page last updated at 19:45 GMT, Friday, 16 October 2009 20:45 UK

Green Lane motorbike permits axed

Manx transport officials have scrapped plans to introduce a permit system to reduce the number of off-road motorbikes on green lanes.

The Department of Transport is concerned about damage being done by vehicles on green lanes - ancient roads which have never been surfaced.

Owners of four-wheel drives currently need a permit to take their vehicles on the island's upland paths.

Instead of motorcycle permits, some paths will be closed from 1 November.

'Limited resources'

The aim is to control the amount of damage done when tracks are at their wettest, said a Department of Transport spokesman.

The tracks are used by walkers, horse riders and cyclists, but motorists also have a legal right to go on them.

Yet some members of the public are concerned about possible damage being done.

The government made its decision following a meeting with the Green Lane Group, which represents motorists who use the tracks.

Meanwhile, work is being done to improve the surface of the tracks.

Director of highways Bruce Hannay said: "The department has an ongoing programme of work on the tracks. However, with limited resources, we can only carry out a limited amount of work."

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