REVAMPED byelaws aimed at preventing damage to Dartmoor would probably be ignored by visitors who refuse to obey the current rules, a leading Tavistock town councillor insists.

James Ellis, vice chairman of the council’s development management and licensing committee, made his assertion after his colleagues were asked to respond to the proposed byelaws being put forward for consultation by Dartmoor National Park.

The moor became a virtual battleground last year when visitors flocked to beauty spots in their hordes after Covid-19 travelling regulations were eased, causing damage to road verges, the moor itself and traffic problems.

The cycle was repeated during the winter when visitors descended on the moor following a fall to the extent police were forced to close one road after a doctor delivering badly-needed Covid-19 vaccinations was unable to reach his destination.

The town council’s development management committee was told by Cllr Barry Smith, who represents them on the Dartmoor Commoners Association, that the proposals were aimed at controlling vehicles being driven onto the moor, the extent of camping and other regulations aimed at safeguarding the popular beauty spot.

One of the most controversial involves dogs, where new regulations would require visitors’ dogs being kept on a short lead of no more than two metres between March 1 and July 31. Cllr Smith was asked to collate members’ comments for a response to Dartmoor National Park, which must be made by November 1. One of those came from Cllr Ellis, who said he believed the new byelaws would be ‘far too restrictive’ and added people already ignored directives to pick up dog fouling. He said they were aimed at a minority ‘who would not respect any laws put before them’.

Mayor Andy Hutton said he felt the laws were aimed at a few people, but would end up affecting everybody.