Law enforcement targets ATVs
Dec. 22, 2003 – Law enforcement officials in Suffolk County, New York, in November cracked down on illegal ATV riding.
The Suffolk County Park Police, deputy sheriffs, and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police targeted ATVers riding illegally in Farmingville, Middle Island, and Yaphank.
County law bars the use of off-road vehicles on public land, and on private land without the written permission of the landowner.
Some 22 ATVs were seized in the operation, and 58 summons were issued for various violations.
An owner would need to pay $250 to get back an impounded ATV.
Meanwhile, the Long Island Off-Road Vehicle Association in New York has met with Suffolk County officials to try to get the county to set up an ATV park.
The group notes that it's been difficult to even get officials to consider ATVers as legitimate land users. Even so, Suffolk County Legislator Andrew Crecca (R-Hauppauge) has introduced legislation calling for the creation of a task force to determine whether an ATV park is needed.
The Long Island Off-Road Vehicle Association hopes to eventually get a park of at least 100 acres, but would settle for a smaller facility.
The group has about 5,000 signatures in support of a park.
For more information on the Long Island Off-Road Vehicle Association, visit the group's website at www.liorv.org.