Around 500 motorbikes and scooters took part today in a peaceful protest rally along the A31 from the New Forest towards Ringwood. According to organisers thousands more participated in similar rallies across the south.

Organised by the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) the road rally aimed to highlight new European rules that could prevent riders from modifying their motorbikes.

The bikers object to proposed EU regulations which will force them to wear high-viz jackets and prevent them from adapting their bikes in any way.

Travelling at around 45 mph the rally caused some traffic hold ups, but no trouble was reported.

As one scooter rider said, "There are hundreds of awesome scooters here today, and pretty much every one of them is modified or customised in some way. The new EU rules would deem us all illegal. It's ridiculous and we have to stand up for our rights."