Approval granted for ATVs on roads

ATVs will run the roads of Cramahe Township for the foreseeable future.

Cramahe Council voted on April 21 to have Township Bylaw Officer, Jim Harris draw up a bylaw to allow the continued use of ATVs on township roads north of 401. The arrangement extends a temporary approval granted last May. It will be reviewed by council at its May 5 meeting.

On April 7, Cramahe Township By-law officer, Jim Harris, asked council for direction regarding the renewal of the ATV by-law permitting ATVs on the roads of Cramahe township.

Responding to a request from Cramahe resident, Ferne Dobson, council tabled its decision until the April 21 meeting where four people made ATV-related presentations.

The OPP reports no accidents or injuries involving ATVs in Cramahe since the by-law was enacted. A September 25, 2008 report to the Cramahe Police Services Board by OPP Detachment Commander Doug Borton stated there were seven ATV-related incidents reported in the police.

A complaint file compiled by Mr. Harris listed 10 calls made by 10 different callers to the township office between May 6, 2008 and August 25, 2008. There were two complaints about ATVs riding on lawns and two stated ATV riders had cut fences and ridden on farm land. One was cited for speeding, two for riding illegally and one for riding on the shoulder of County Rd. 2. Two callers complained about the noise.

Most of these complaints overlap with the O.P.P. complaints. It has been Mr. Harris's policy to advise people to inform the police. As well, he spoke to the complainants about solutions and with their permission, passed on their complaints to Northumberland District Trail Riders Association.

On May 8, 2008 Cramahe Council passed by-law 08-32 giving permission for All Terrain vehicles to use Township roads north of Highway 401. The 2008 by-law contains a section that limits it to a one-year duration. The purpose of the section was to ensure an adequate review of the by-law’s effects in the community.