RUMFORD — The Select Board voted in June to open sections of several streets to ATVs so they can patronize in-town businesses, but some have complained that the rules about where the vehicles can go are being violated.

At the Select Board meeting July 2, member Frank DiConzo said he’s been receiving phone calls about 4-wheelers operating in areas not authorized by the town.

“I think the town has to make it clear that those designated areas are the only ones where you cross,” he said. “I’ve seen two of them. They came up Plymouth Avenue, turned into Franklin Street. They went all the way to Lincoln Avenue and down to Porter Avenue West.

“They’re assuming they can ride our streets, so I think the town has to do something about it,” DiConzo added.

Board member Jim Theriault said the local game wardens need to step up enforcement.

“These people who own ATVs know what the laws are. And if they’re riding on non-accessible streets, they know they’re in violation of the law,” Theriault said. “So they need to be stopped and issued a summons. That’s the only way they’re going to learn.”

The game warden for the Rumford area is Mindy Rugg. DiConzo suggested the town write a letter to Rugg asking for enforcement.

“I don’t know if it’s a signage issue or an enforcement issue,” Board Chairman Chris Brennick said. “It’s just that time of year when people are out and things are coming in. We’ll have to continue to watch it and hopefully nip it in the bud.”

Brennick said the town can work on getting the word out about where ATVs are allowed and where they aren’t.

Mike Worthley, president of the Rumford Riders ATV Club, said the club has an 80-mile trail called the River Valley loop. The club has more than 100 members.

He said ATV access roads in Rumford include Glover Road, .8 miles on Isthmus Road to the trailhead, Falmouth Street, Rumford Avenue, over Memorial Bridge west of Essex Avenue, Cumberland Street, Waldo Street, Congress Street, Canal Street, River Street and Portland Street, and Bridge Street to the Best Western.

Worthley said the new ATV access in Rumford is going to help many businesses in town, including: Aubuchon Hardware, Ralph’s Market, Gatch’s, Rumford Eagles, Snowshoe Club, Deluxe Dinner, Walgreens, American Legion, Dunkin’, Brick & Stone, Carlisle’s Apparel & Footwear, Hotel Rumford, Greater Rumford Community Center and The Lure.

“It’s 25 miles per hour all though town, for ATVers and cars. If everyone follows the law and rules, we should be OK,” he said.

In a related matter, the board unanimously supported a request by the Rumford Riders ATV Club to use the snow dump off Rumford Avenue as a park and ride until the end of the season.

Brennick said the reason the club asked to use the snow dump is because the park and ride at the top of Falls Hill is not available because that bridge is going to be shut down. Workers have already taken over the lot.

Public Works Superintendent Dale Roberts asked that they use the upper end of the snow dump because they have gravel piled up at the lower end.