A MAN from Cwmbran has been fined £250 by Gwent Police for illegally off-roading on common land in Pontypool.

Paul Williams, 24, of Salisbury Court, pleaded guilty at Newport Magistrates Court.

At court on June 1, he was fined £250 and ordered to pay an additional £85 in court costs.

Torfaen councillor, Lewis Jones, executive member for regeneration, said: “Illegal off-roading on common land in Torfaen will not be tolerated.

“Not only does this activity destroy the landscape but it endangers livestock – all too often we see grazing livestock killed by careless off-roaders.

We are committed to working with Gwent Police, and colleagues in Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire and the Brecon Beacons National Park, to eradicate this behaviour across all our areas.”

Torfaen Inspector, David Morgan explained: “Gwent Police have reviewed its tactics with regards to how we deal with those who ride on common land illegally - offenders can now expect to be reported and sent to court.

“Illegal off-roading is a source of many complaints to Gwent Police and we know that farmers and commoners are having their livelihoods affected. Those who are caught can expect to find themselves in court as a consequence of their actions.”

Off-roading is illegal in Torfaen on public land, parks, pavements and pathways. It is also illegal on private land without the permission of the land owner.

The council has set up a web form to allow anyone to report off-roading activity anonymously.

To download the form log onto www.torfaen.gov.uk/en/Forms/Report/Off-road-biking.aspx.