About eight years ago, Maybrook had a problem with all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) being ridden in village parks like the Frederick Myers Veterans Memorial Park. Signs were posted in the parks, the police kept an eye out for violators. And, said Mayor Dennis Leahy, the problem was resolved.

Now, however, he said the problem has recurred, this time primarily on private property and roadways in the village.

“The village is aware of an increase in the use ATVs in the village,” he warned in a Code Red message, on the village website and on Facebook. “This includes on private property as well as county, state and village property.”

Leahy said his message is a “one-time courtesy advisory” as the village Police Department develops a “pro-enforcement zero tolerance plan”. This plan, he said, will include the issuance of summonses and seizure of the offending ATV “when appropriate”.

“This is not a policy,” Leahy added. “It is a plan by our police department. You can’t just ride wherever you want; not on private property without permission, that’s trespassing. You can’t ride on village property. That includes roads and parks.”

New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law, Article 48C, prohibits ATVs from public roadways, on any public land or on any private property without permission.