FIFE POLICE have expressed concern over the “distress and danger” being caused by people illegally using quad bikes and motorbikes in part of the East Neuk.

Now the force and Scottish Natural Heritage, with support from Fife councillors, have joined up to tackle the menace at Dumbarnie Links just east of Lower Largo, a designated site of special scientific interest (SSSI) containing sensitive habitat which could suffer permanent damage.

Inspector Alastair Topen said police regularly receive complaints from the public visiting Dumbarnie Links and other recreational areas in Fife

“The problem appears to be that people acquire these machines without first seeking permission from a landowner to ride the machines on their property.

“Most landowners are not prepared to do so, and scrambler and quad bike owners then find that they have no legitimate area where they can use them.”

He said people thinking of getting such a machine should ensure they have access to an area they can use the machine legally.

“It is an offence under the Road Traffic Act to use these vehicles ‘off road’ and Fife Constabulary take every opportunity to detect and report persons engaged in this activity”

Lisa Duggan of SNH said Scotland’s natural heritage is for everyone to enjoy.

“Scottish Natural Heritage is very keen that people enjoy the countryside, but only if they do so responsibly.

“Dumbarnie Links has a number of locally rare plants and a few which occur nowhere else in Fife. Quad biking and motor cycling can cause damage to these species and to the fragile sand dune habitats where they are found.

“We hope that this action by Fife police will allow people to enjoy the links in safety and will discourage irresponsible use of these beautiful and special places.”

East Neuk councillor, Mike Scott-Hayward said the initiative is to be welcomed and that far too many responsible bikers are given a bad name by the inconsiderate anti-social few.

He expressed the hope that any transgressors who do not get the message will be caught and charged and dealt with firmly by the courts.

“It is important that the initiative is backed right the way through the system.”

The coastal site at Dumbarnie Links is designated as an SSSI because of its sand dunes, the grassland which grows on them, and the largest salt marsh on the northern side of the Forth.