Code of practice for the use of vehicles on the Common
Greenham and Crookham Common Commission, August 2010
- No unauthorised use of vehicles on the Common.
- Permission to use a vehicle on the common is granted by the landowner, it is not a right.
- Any breaches of this code can lead to an individual's permission being rescinded.
- In general terms access can be granted to: individual officers of West Berkshire Council and BBOWT staff, commoners exercising their rights, contractors, wildlife surveyors and conservation volunteers. There must be a specific requirement relating to the management of the common or the surveillance and monitoring of habitats and species thereon.
- Horse-drawn vehicles may also be granted access for recreational purposes at specific times.
- Where permission is granted, vehicular use should be restricted to the main gravel tracks only.
- Where livestock are being rounded up this should be done on foot (or on occasion on horseback) rather than by using vehicles.
- In exceptional circumstances, when vehicles have to be driven off the gravel tracks, vehicles with low ground pressure tyres should be used to avoid surface damage.
- During the bird nesting season (1st March to 31st July) a number of additional tracks will remain off-limits for permitted vehicle users (map to accompany this code will show these areas).
- Permitted users must display a valid permit in a prominent place in the front window of their vehicle when on the common.
- All users of vehicles should show consideration for recreational visitors by driving slowly and never faster than 30 mph. They should give way to pedestrians, cyclists, grazing animals and horseriders.
- Those granted permission to use a vehicle on the common will be assigned a key for a specified period relating to their requirements, they will be asked to sign a copy of this code to indicate that they have understood and will abide by the conditions set out here.