Valley Independent Sentinel

Oxford Cracks Down On ATV Riders

by Mike Russo | Oct 13, 2009 7:41 am

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Posted to: Oxford

The Board of Selectman last week unanimously approved a motor vehicle ordinance Wednesday banning ATV’s, off-road dirt bikes and snowmobiles from all public roads and properties.

The ordinance bans three and four-wheeled ATV’s from all public highways, driveways, and parking lots.

ATV’s are also banned from sidewalks, streets and all other town lands including parks, playing fields and town-owned open space.

Two- wheeled dirt bikes and snowmobiles are imposed with the same restrictions, but provide exceptions to the extent covered by state law.

The ordinance also permits exceptions for the occurrences that could arise for health and safety issues of residents and wildlife.

Violators would face a $90 infraction and face liability up to five times the amount of property damage associated with
charge, in accordance with state law.

Resident Trooper Sgt. Dan Semosky worked together with Selectman Dave McKane on the ordinance initiated by Jensen Farms Road residents with complaints of extensive property damage to their land by ATV riders.

Semosky said the only permitted use for ATVs in town are on private property.

Since April 2008, according to Semosky, there have been more than 100 arrests due to ATV’s on public roads and related property damage.

Semosky said in addition to Jensen Farm Road, there is high activity of ATV usage on Roosevelt Drive in the vicinity of Punkup Road and Oxford Glen.

He said violators would be subject to a wide variety of charges including operating an unregistered vehicle, simple and/or criminal trespass, and criminal mischief, which all carry hefty fines.

Semosky added Oxford officers are collaborating on ATV enforcement with Seymour and Monroe police departments, who also have similar ordinances.

McKane, who is also a member of the Oxford Land Trust, said over the years ATVs have caused extensive damage to the Rock House Hill Sanctuary on Route 188.

In 2006, a $50,000 grant was used to make trail improvements and install fencing along trails damaged by the vehicles.

“There has been a lot of damage done there in the past,” he said.

McKane said signs would be posted on the Land Trust property prohibiting ATV’s.

The ordinance requires approval at a town meeting. The date of that meeting has not yet been determined.

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