POLICE are planning to enlist the help of hill walkers ramblers to catch four-by-four drivers and bikers using hills and valuable countryside as dirt tracks.

Inspector David Morgan unveiled the new approach after colleagues found a truck stuck in mud on common land at Penyrheol Reservoir in Pontypool.

The driver has been given a section 59 warning which could see their vehicle seized in future, and is to summonsed to court for allegedly driving on common land.

Gwent Police said they were now taking a “proactive” stance to clamp down on off-road motorists tearing through the countryside in Torfaen.

They warned that unruly motorists could face the full force of the law, not just section 59 warnings.

They could also end up in court for offences ranging from driving dangerously, to driving without MOTs and insurance, the inspector added.

“We will be engaging with walking groups and asking people who use the hills legitimately to take photos of riders and report the activity they witness,” Insp Morgan added.

“We are working closely with landowners and all Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent community support officers have been tasked to visit all farms in the area to identify what landowners can do to deter access to the hillsides.

“There is no one tactic that will impact upon the issue, but a co-ordinated holistic approach is what we consider may have some impact upon the illegal activities that blight the hills.

“In addition, we hope to support the farmers who make a living from farming the hillsides, and whose livelihoods are affected by damaged grazing land, as well as trying to protect the nesting or rare birds who live in the upland habitat.”

A police spokeswoman said the 4x4 was found in Pontypool on February 19 and the warning was issued on Sunday.

Anyone with information about off road bikers is urged to call police on 101.