Police to increase patrols for ATVs at Peter’s Rock

Ann DeMatteo

Police are once again stepping up enforcement against motorized vehicles in Peter’s Rock Park.

Police Chief James X. DiCarlo recently met with the Peter’s Rock Association to discuss vandalism to the park’s trails and risks to hikers.

“Their concern is the amount of illegal riding that’s out of control,” said DiCarlo.

Police have begun a “strict enforcement” campaign for detection of ATVs. Infractions will be issued for trespassing and vehicles will be impounded.

Parents of minors who are operating in the park also will be subject to motor vehicle infractions, DiCarlo said. The infractions range from $100 to $140.

“We are committed to eliminating this illegal activity,” he said. “They don’t belong up there. They are not registered and they’re uninsured.”

Police will be using their John Deere “Gator,” an all-terrain vehicle, when they patrol there on weekends.

Peter’s Rock is a town-owned park with hiking trails off Middletown Avenue. ATVs often come in from the East Haven side or from the upper part of Hermitage Lane.

“They’re tearing up trails and damaging plant life. They have no regard for hikers,” DiCarlo said.

“Our first concern is for the hikers,” said Chris Fletcher, Peter’s Rock Association president. “Part of our mission is to promote the park. We’ve got to be concerned for the safety of the people using the trails.”

On a recent weekend, association members were fixing a damaged bridge and while they were walking, “three ATVs came barreling at us,” narrowly missing them, Fletcher said.

When the trails get damaged, it makes hiking and drainage difficult, and also wrecks natural vegetation and animal habitat, according to Fletcher.

Now that people are using the trails more, the association is receiving more complaints. The association also will be trying to educate the public with DiCarlo’s statement.

“We posted signs to tell people to call police if they see illegal activity,” Fletcher said.

Apprehension of ATV drivers is difficult, because they can quickly elude police, DiCarlo said.

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Source: http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2009/10/10/news/metro/b2-nhpetersrock.txt

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