Drivers of 4x4 vehicles are to be banned from using parts of Britain's oldest known road -- The Ridgeway.

Quadbikes, trail bikes and off-road cars will face a winter ban from vulnerable sections of the ancient trail, which passes through Oxfordshire.

They have been blamed for causing ruts in the 85-mile ancient trail, which passes near Wantage, Didcot, Wallingford and Watlington. It is thought to be at least 6,000 years old.

But off-road enthusiasts, such as the Land Access and Recreation Association, say they are a small minority and have been victimised. They claim farm vehicles and horses cause more damage.

The ban follows meetings between rural affairs minister Alun Michael and campaigners who have sought controls on vehicles since the early 1980s.

Among those pressing for restrictions was Wantage MP Robert Jackson.

Thames Valley Police has been carrying out special patrols along parts of the trail in Oxfordshire recently to catch irresponsible off-roaders.

Ian Ritchie, chairman of the Friends of the Ridgeway, said: "A voluntary code of respect has been in operation on the Ridgeway for 10 years, but has plainly not been working.

"This ban is excellent news for all walkers, horse riders and cyclists who wish to enjoy the Ridgeway in peace, free from the ruts and mud that make the trail hazardous and unpleasant.

"Although a seasonal ban falls short of the total ban that we have been advocating, it's a very big step in the right direction."

Mr Michael said: "I'm sure that this will help to make the difference we all want to see in order to protect the Ridgeway for all users."

The trail runs from Overton Hill, near Avebury in the south, to Ivinghoe Beacon, north of Aylesbury, and passes numerous Stone Age and Iron Age hill forts and burial mounds and the landmark Uffington White Horse, near Wantage.

All six councils along the route have agreed to the seasonal ban which will be imposed from October.

Mike Dyer, national rights of way officer for the All Wheel Drive Club, said it was a shame that the authorities responsible for the Ridgeway had neglected it for the past 50 years, failing to maintain the surface fit for use.

He added: "It's a shame that various police forces have not taken up offers from various user organisers to catch and prosecute the illegal and irresponsible users.

"It's a shame that the ban, if implemented, will not affect agricultural vehicles whose weight is far higher on average than the recreational vehicles that are being banned.

"And it's a shame that the influence of anti-access campaigners with hidden agendas hold sway with national and conservation management."