FORGET the fox hunting issue - the big debate in the Dales is all about banning four wheel drive vehicless from so-called green lanes.

These are routes which have been in existence for many years, often centuries, but have no proper surface. They are a source of great delight to many owners of the modern 4x4 "off road" vehicles but the muddier the road, the greater the test for the driver and the greater the damage caused.

One might say any ban would be country folk's revenge on the townies. After all, the fox hunting debate is portrayed as the urban population imposing its values and opinions on country dwellers. So country folk uniting to deny urban drivers enjoying a jaunt in the countryside has a tinge of poetic justice about it (yes, yes, we know that there are some 4x4 drivers who live in the countryside...)

The equation is, however, complicated by the large number of responsible drivers, usually members of organised clubs, who respect the countryside, stay off vulnerable routes and indeed give time and money to restore badly damaged green lanes.

Sadly, the responsible ones are outnumbered by those who are little more than vandals on (big) wheels.

The tide seems to be running against the off-roaders, with parish councils and rural groups generally emerging in favour of a ban. The well-organised motoring groups are bound to mount a fierce resistance