Pictures show angry locals protest against “joy-driving” vehicles damaging riverbed of River Meon

Campaigners staged a protest on Saturday as they accused Hampshire County Council and South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) of “sitting on their hands” and not stopping the reckless driving by issuing a simple Traffic Regulation Order (TRO).

Residents, conservationists and anglers held a demonstration at Droxford as they blasted the “ongoing failure” of the authorities to shut down the "splash route".

At a shallow stretch of the river near Droxford, vehicles and motorbikes have been repeatedly driving along the riverbed for recreation. Residents and environmental groups say this activity is churning up spawning gravels, damaging river habitat and disturbing wildlife in one of England’s most important chalk streams.

The River Meon is one of only around two hundred chalk streams worldwide and supports species including Atlantic salmon, brown trout, water voles and otters. The land immediately upstream is the site of a project by South Downs National Park Authority to reintroduce water voles to the area.

The River Meon is recognised by the government as environmentally protected habitat, meaning public bodies are expected to prevent deterioration of the river environment.

Despite this, authorities have so far been accused of failing to use their powers to issue a TRO to prevent damage.

Campaigners say responsibility for stopping the damage has been passed back and forth between Hampshire County Council and the South Downs National Park Authority. Protesters said the county council has said any action will be deferred for “an indeterminate period” .

Ecological surveys commissioned for both authorities have identified reduced biodiversity and habitat degradation in the affected stretch, campaigners said.

Videos shared publicly on social media show vehicles driving up and down the riverbed at Droxford, promoting the activity.

The protest called for immediate restrictions on vehicle access to the riverbed using existing powers to prevent further damage. Local politicians and representatives of the authorities have been invited to attend and hear directly from residents and environmental groups.

Protest organiser, Adam Faulkner, said: "The authorities have the powers to stop the off roaders, but so far they’ve just passed the buck. Meanwhile, wildlife suffers, the riverbed is damaged, and local residents are left watching their natural heritage being destroyed, just so drivers can get a few minutes thrill.”

“One hand doesn’t know what the other hand is doing. South Downs National Park Authority is actually reintroducing water voles near this stretch of the river, whilst Hampshire County Council lets drivers use it for fun. They might as well release the water voles on the A3.”

Paul Vignaux, executive director, Test & Itchen Association, said: “This is Hampshire County Council putting caution and delay ahead of protecting a globally rare chalk stream. They have the power to act but are dragging their feet rather than stopping drivers treating one of our most precious natural environments as a playground.”