Bridleways near Win-chester have recently opened to motor vehicles but campaigners want traffic to be banned.

A planning inspector last year ruled that most of four green lanes between Crawley and Hursley parishes, passing through Sparsholt and Kings Somborne, should be opened to all traffic after two public inquiries.

The county council proposes that vehicles be barred from much of the route. It is seeking traffic regulation orders to protect walkers and riders from traffic danger.

The public has until January 27 to give its views to rights of way officers at the county council.

The opening up of green lanes across Hampshire has long been a controversial topic with drivers pitted against country dwellers and conservationists.

The off-roaders say they are keeping the historic routes open because they may otherwise become overgrown. The conservationists argue the vehicles endanger life and damage flora and fauna.

The county council is proposing that a short section from Folly Farm, Crawley, to the C7 road to Kings Somborne should be opened to all traffic.

But the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE)is arguing that the whole of the route should be barred to traffic such as 4x4s and motorbikes.

Simon Clark, secretary of the Southern Counties Off-Road Club, said the move meant the public inquiries had been a waste of money.

Mr Clark said; "I would urge people to write to the county council and ask what grounds that want to make these orders."

Rosemary Horsey, of the CPRE, said: "We are trying to preserve the tranquillity and enjoyment of the countryside by walkers and riders.

"It is not a good thing to mix motorists and pedestrians.

"It damages the road surface and habitat for wildlife. This area is real countryside. Local people are extremely upset," she said.

Mr Clark said as roads become barred to off-roaders then they would concentrate on fewer roads increasing the damage.

The county council is due to decide on the traffic regulation order next month. Opponents will then have the chance to formally object.

A local landowner, who asked not to be named, urged the council to bar traffic along the whole route.

He said: "It is illogical that the criteria put on the other bridleways are not extended to that stretch. They are very similar."

Allowing traffic on the lane would open up the farmland "to all sorts of miscreants, thieves, robbers, poachers and arsonists."

It would also create a potentially dangerous crossroads on the B3049.