| |
Does and Don'ts of Public Rights of Way |
|
| |
|
|
| |
The Does |
|
| |
Footpaths |
|
| |
|
This public right of
way is meant for pedestrians only. You are allowed
to walk your dog as long as it is under your close
control. When walking a dog, you must ensure that it
keeps to the public footpath and does not trespass
into nearby properties. Prams, pushchair or
wheelchairs can also be used on a footpath. |
|
| |
Bridleways |
|
| |
|
These are meant for walkers,
horse riders and bicyclists. Bicyclists are expected to give way to walkers and
horse riders |
|
| |
Byways
Open To All Traffic (BOAT) |
|
| |
|
These byways are normally marked "byways" and are open to motorists, bicyclists,
horse riders, motorcyclists and pedestrians. As with public tarmac road networks, motorists must ensure that they are legally authorised to use BOATs (i.e. registered, taxed, insured and MoT’d). |
|
| |
Restricted Byways |
|
| |
|
Restricted Byways are created under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. They are open to the traffic mentioned above in BOATs, but exclude motor vehicles and motorcycles. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
The Don'ts |
|
| |
Footpaths |
|
| |
|
Footpaths on edge of a
field must not be ploughed. Footpaths can be
ploughed, if they cross fields. However, a minimum
width of 1 metres must be made available within 14
days of ploughing. Landowners must also ensure that
they restore footpaths after ploughing.
If you are walking a dog, you must make sure that it
does not stray off legal lines of a public footpath
as this may constitute an act of trepass. Also
ensure that you clean up your dog mess, if your dog
fouls up on a footpath. |
|
| |
Bridleways |
|
| |
|
Bridleways on the edge of a field must also not be ploughed except they cross over fields. Like footpaths, landowners must also give a minimum width of 2 metres within 14 days of commencing ploughing. Landowners must also ensure that they restore bridleways after ploughing.
Motor cars, mini motors and motorcyclists are not allowed on bridleways. |
|
| |
Byways Open To All Traffic (BOAT) |
|
| |
|
Under-age or banned
drivers, quad bikes, mini-motos, non-road-legal
scramblers & quad bikes are not allowed on BOATs.
BOATs must not be ploughed or obstructed to prevent
public use. |
|
| |
Restricted Byways |
|
| |
|
Motorcyclists,
motorists in motorcars, mini motors, quad bikes,
non-road legal scramblers are not allowed on
restricted by ways. Restricted byways must also not
be ploughed or obstructed to prevent public use |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Other don'ts for landowners |
|
| |
● |
You cannot grow crops
on a public right of way, however grass can be grown
for hay and silage |
|
| |
● |
Dairy bulls over 10
months are not allowed to cross over a field with a
right of way |
|
| |
● |
You cannot put up
stiles or gates without the permission of your local
authority |
|
| |
● |
You cannot put up
misleading signs to prevent people from using a
public right of way |
|
| |
● |
You are not allowed to
harass, intimidate (e.g. placing a fierce dog on
public right of way) or prevent members of the
public from using a public right of way |
|
| |
● |
It is an offence under
the Highways Act 1980 to put up barbed wires,
electric fences or exposed barb wire that prevents
or obstructs a public right of way |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Other don'ts for users of public rights
of way |
|
| |
● |
You are not allowed to
disturb or harm any wildlife found on a public right
of way |
|
| |
● |
You should not drop or
leave litter on a public right of way |
|
| |
● |
You should not trespass on neighbouring lands to public rights of way. At all times keep to the legal limits! |
|
