KENT Police say a county-wide campaign aimed at illegal off-road motorcycling has been a success.

This was the second two-month operation aimed specifically at this nuisance, which took place between August 1 and September 30.

In that time 126 motorcycle and quad-bike riders were warned, 11 machines seized, four people were arrested and 32 prosecutions have been started.

In total, since August 1, 2003, Kent police have issued more than 669 warnings and seized more than 31 vehicles.

Insp Mark Chambers, who led the operation, said: "Since Kent police started concentrating on this issue, which is of such importance to people in the county, we've been encouraged that in particular locations there is a reduction in this behaviour.

"We continue to work with our partners to identify locations where the people who want to can do this in a regulated, safe environment where they will not cause alarm to other people."

The operation, which was backed by local authorities and others, targeted areas all over the county which were affected by motor-bikers riding illegally off-road.