Motorcyclists urged to stay on designated paths

Police said they had received reports of people riding over open land

Motorcyclists have been urged to stick to designated roads and green lanes during the TT period.

The Isle of Man Constabulary said it had received a number of reports about riders using the heritage trail, which was formerly a railway line, as an access road.

Police said there had also been concerns about "enduro-type motorcycles" riding across open heathland.

The force warned that the disturbing protected ground-nesting birds in the uplands was against the law.

'Protect the environment'

The main areas reported had been Slieau Freoaghane and Snaefell, as well as in Ballaugh Plantation, police said.

While motorcyclists are able to use the island's green lanes and greenway roads, these are often in open uplands where protected bird species, including hen harriers and curlews nest.

Upland ranger Anna Clarke-Smith said that certain green lanes, greenways and gates within the department's estate would be marked with signage "explicitly indicating that motorised vehicles have no legal access to the TT course beyond this point".

She said this would help the government to "protect the environment and maintain the integrity of our estate".

Officers have also warned bikers not to use the heritage trail, which runs close to the course from Braddan Bridge to Ballacraine, as all motor vehicles are banned from using it.

A police spokesman said: "We have officers in the area ready to take action should this be required."

"It is extremely dangerous to ride this route due to the number of vulnerable road users that enjoy this area regularly."