CAMPAIGN UPDATE: HCC WRITES TO “STAKEHOLDERS”
Hampshire County Council has provided an update on its plans to deal with the damage being caused to the river.
While we welcome HCC engaging after months and years of campaigning for action, we remain concerned about the approach they are taking. The letter repeatedly describes this stretch of the river as a “watersplash” and a “historic ford”. These terms misrepresent the issue. This is not a case of vehicles crossing a river. Vehicles are driving in the River Meon itself, damaging the riverbed and its wildlife.
It also places considerable emphasis on ‘Highways’ powers and legal duties, but gives little attention to the statutory environmental duties the Council is bound by to protect the River Meon (as a rare and protected chalk stream habitat).
We are concerned by the proposal for further ecological monitoring. There is already substantial evidence of environmental decline and damage at this location, including findings from previous surveys commissioned by Hampshire County Council. The question is not whether there is damage, but what action should now be taken.
Finally, although the Council states that no decision has been made, the prominence given to an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order creates the impression that this is already the favoured option. We maintain the position that all options should be fully considered, including that of a full TRO.
After years of surveys, correspondence and campaigning, the focus should be on protecting the River Meon rather than repeating work that has already been done.
Our Campaign to Stop 4x4s in Chalk Stream River Meon
Help Us Protect the Meon at Droxford
The River Meon is a chalk stream, one of the rarest freshwater habitats in the world, and is particularly vulnerable to physical disturbance of its riverbed and gravels. It is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
Two Association Members and local residents in Droxford, helped by the Test and Itchen Association, Fish Legal and Activist Anglers, are campaigning to stop 4×4 off-roaders and motorcyclists using a stretch of the River Meon for recreational driving, causing environmental destruction of rare, chalk stream habitat.
What is happening?
A short stretch of the River Meon at Droxford is being used by 4X4 vehicles and motorbikes for recreational driving directly along the riverbed. Vehicles are repeatedly driving up and down the river, not simply crossing it.
Why is this happening?
According to Hampshire County Council, a 200m stretch of the River Meon near Droxford, used by the 4x4s and trail riders as a “splash route”, is still designated as a highway. This means that the 4x4s are currently legally allowed to drive along the river bed, despite the damage this causes and the pollution it adds to the river.
We Say…
Responsible drivers would not damage a rare, chalk stream
The River Meon is a rare, chalk stream habitat and is protected as compensatory habitat to the River Itchen Special Area of Conservation. Those driving down this stretch of river may once not have known this, but they do now. Responsible drivers would not drive along the river bed just for fun, knowing the damage they were causing.
The river is being damaged for fun
This stretch of the river is not a ford, and it is not being used for access. It is simply being driven along for fun, despite the damage it is doing to the river bed, banks and wildlife.
This is what TROs are designed for
A Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) is a legal instrument designed for circumstances like these. They allow Authorities to prevent vehicular access to a designated highway to (amongst other reasons) prevent damage, preserve the character of the area, and/or protect wildlife or the environment.
HCC – Put a TRO in place NOW!
We’re asking Hampshire County Council and South Downs National Park Authority to put in place a Traffic Regulation Order banning vehicles from driving along the river bed.
Danny Chambers, MP on why we need a TRO on this stretch of the River Meon
Protect the Meon: Rivers Aren’t Roads Protest
There was a big turnout for the protest at Droxford on 31st January organised by two of our Members, supported by the Test & Itchen Association and Fish Legal. We’re asking Hampshire County Council and South Downs National Park Authority to put in place a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to stop the damage to the Meon from it’s use as a “splash route” by 4x4s and trailriders.
The protest was supported and attended by local MP, Danny Chambers and widely covered by national and local media, with most commenters shocked that no action was being taken to stop the destruction of a protected chalkstream.
The Times
Daily Mail
The Telegraph
BBC
ITV Meridian
Danny Chambers, MP on ITV Meridian
Meon Valley Times
Hampshire Chronicle
The News, Portsmouth
Hampshire County Council have told the media that they are working with all parties to find a solution, but we’ve not been approached by them. We have written to them again, asking them to work with us to get a TRO in place. We are determined to stop this environmental destruction and will keep our campaign going until it is stopped.
After our protest, Cllr Malcolm Wallace raised the issue at a full council meeting February 26. Cabinet member for Universal Services, Cllr Kirsty North, responded that the council had sought legal advice and were planning to do fresh surveys which would take another 7 to 9 months. Our legal advisors say that they already have the evidence and the legal powers they need to implement a TRO.
After writing several times to Hampshire County Council requesting a meeting, we have finally got a positive response but there’s no date for the meeting yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is driving through the River Meon actually legal?
At present, the route is designated as a public highway, which is why vehicle use is currently allowed. However, the law also allows councils to restrict or prohibit use where clear environmental harm is occurring. Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) are specifically designed for situations like this and have been used successfully elsewhere. Legality does not mean unrestricted use is always appropriate.
If it’s legal, why are you calling for restrictions?
Because it is legally classed as a highway doesn’t mean it is right to drive down the riverbed. There is strong evidence that vehicle use at this location is causing ongoing damage to a protected and globally rare habitat. Where continued use leads to environmental damage, public authorities have the responsibility to act to prevent further harm. The existence of legal powers to restrict access recognises that circumstances can change. TROs are designed for situations like this.
The Meon is also designated by Natural England as compensatory habitat to the SAC-protected River Itchen, meaning it should enjoy the same protection as that of the Itchen. In eƯect, government policy requires public bodies to prevent deterioration of the river environment.
What is a chalk stream and why are they so special?
Chalk streams are among the rarest freshwater habitats in the world. There are only around 260 globally, and the majority are found in England. They are fed by underground chalk aquifers, which provide exceptionally clear, clean water and a stable flow year-round.
These conditions support specialised plants and wildlife that cannot survive elsewhere. Chalk streams are also extremely sensitive. Once damaged, they recover very slowly, and in some cases, may never fully recover. Because of this rarity and fragility, chalk streams are recognised as habitats of national and international importance.
Why is the River Meon particularly important?
The River Meon is one of only 260 chalk stream in the world. It supports species such as brown trout, Atlantic salmon, water voles and otters. Fish like trout and salmon rely on clean, loose gravel to spawn, which is a defining feature of healthy chalk streams.
Isn’t this just a normal stream crossing?
No. This is not a short or incidental crossing. Vehicles are driving through approximately 200 metres of the riverbed itself. Repeated use along this length causes cumulative damage that does not occur at brief, shallow crossings.
What damage is actually being caused?
Vehicles driving through the river churn up gravel beds, remove plants, disturb wildlife, and alter the shape of the river. Over time, the river becomes wider and shallower, and the gravel needed for fish to spawn is lost. When spawning gravels are disturbed, and plants are removed, the whole river ecosystem is affected, from insects through to fish, birds and mammals.
Surveys commissioned by the authorities themselves show degraded habitat and reduced biodiversity on this stretch compared with upstream sections.
Isn’t this about stopping people from enjoying the countryside?
No. It is about protecting a rare chalk stream habitat and its wildlife. We support people enjoying the countryside responsibly. This campaign is not against recreation or access in general. It is about recognising that some places are too fragile to absorb certain activities without permanent damage.
There are lots of places where people can drive for fun, but only a few chalk streams are left in the world. Protecting the river ensures that everyone can continue to enjoy this river, and its wildlife, into the future.
Why not rely on voluntary agreements instead of restrictions?
Voluntary approaches have already been tried and have not prevented ongoing damage. We are asking for a targeted restriction at one highly vulnerable location. This is not a blanket campaign against green lanes, trail riding or 4×4 use elsewhere.
What will happen if nothing is done?
Continued vehicle use will cause further degradation of the riverbed, loss of wildlife habitat, and reduced ability for the river to recover. Once chalk stream habitats are damaged beyond a certain point, they may never fully recover.
If you can help with the campaign, or would like to be kept up to date with progress, please register your interest with the local campaign organisers.
Membership
If you would like to support our work to conserve the Test, Itchen and Meon rivers and protect chalk stream salmon, then please help us by joining our association.
