ONE of the world’s oldest conservation groups has called for cyclists in the New Forest to be prosecuted if they flout the rules.

The New Forest Association has urged the National Park Authority and other organisations to tackle problems caused by rogue riders and those who ignore designated routes.

Eve Gillmon said rogue riders who breached the Forest bylaws should be taken to court by the Forestry Comm-ission and fined.

Speaking at a meeting of the association she said: “Many visitors believe they can take part in their recreational activity anywhere, at any time.

“The other problem involves cyclists who don’t care about the rules. These are the people who ride on the Forest away from recognised off-road routes, leaving trails in their wake and causing disturbance.

“With the implementation of appropriate fines, this area of damage would drop dramatically.”

But Ian Taylor, of Hampshire Cyc-ling, said the impact of cyclists was equal to that of walkers and significantly less than shod horses.

A Forestry Commission spokesman said: “We see prosecution very much as a last resort.”