Today, entering the forest with a motor vehicle where it is not allowed can result in a fine of 20 to 500 PLN. In extreme cases, when nature is destroyed, the fine from the forest guard or police can increase to 1000 PLN. However, there is an idea to make these penalties more severe. Material from the “Raport” program on TVN Turbo.
– These days, a 500 PLN fine, if someone has a quad for 40 or 50 thousand, is a bit ridiculous. They need to be commercialized, that's how I would describe it – noted Sławomir Fiedukowicz, spokesman for the Chojnów Forest District.
The Ministry of Climate and Environment noticed the problem.
Higher fines and even vehicle confiscation
– The solution we would like to propose is to ask the Ministry of Justice to analyze the current criminal law, both the Penal Code and the Petty Offences Code, to see whether we should increase these penalties – said Paweł Marciniak from the Department of Education and Communication of the Ministry of Climate and Environment.
The proposed changes are specific. People who, outside the forest road, cause noise, destroy plants or scare animals will be subject to a penalty of arrest or a fine of no less than PLN 3,000. But that's not all.
– We propose to consider the possibility of introducing property forfeiture for people who are repeat offenders in this matter. That is, confiscation of the vehicle used to commit the offence – added Marciniak.
Off-road enthusiasts do not say “no” to changes, but they do not want everyone to be lumped together.
– There is a stereotype that off-road is six drunk guys in a five-person van, somewhere in the forest, digging, plowing and drinking. But that's not how it looks. I think it would be worth starting with education. That is, what we can do, what we can't do, what we can afford and what we can't. And if such education were to become part of our everyday life, just like waste segregation, then why not? – said Mieszko Kryński, Off Road Park “Poligon 4×4”.
When is it allowed to enter the forest?
Unfortunately, not everyone realizes whether they can enter the forest or not.
When can you enter the forest? For example, when a public road leads through the forest or the forest road is marked with appropriate signs, but not every forest path has such signs.
– According to the regulations, it is not allowed to enter forest areas with motor vehicles. Therefore, even if there is no such sign on the forest road prohibiting entry, such entry is prohibited – explains the spokesman of the forest district.
When would the tightened law come into effect? Consultations are underway in the ministries, and this could take several months.
Finally, some important information for mushroom pickers. – I don't think anyone would want to maximize the penalty for parking with two wheels on the edge of the forest. In my career, I've usually limited myself to admonishing and pointing out that we all want these mushrooms to grow – explains the forester.
The Ministry confirms that the forest is for people, and those who destroy it are to be punished first and foremost.