Paths Greenways Bridleways Tracks
PGBT
The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 created a duty on every highway authority other than those for inner London to create a ‘Rights of Way Improvement Plan’.
Section 61 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 sets out four relevant factors:
(a) the extent to which local rights of way meet the present and likely future needs of the public,
(b) the opportunities provided by local rights of way (and in particular by those within paragraph (a) of the definition in subsection (5)) for exercise and other forms of open-air recreation and the enjoyment of the authority’s area,
(c) the accessibility of local rights of way to blind or partially sighted persons and others with mobility problems, and
(d) such other matters relating to local rights of way as the Secretary of State (as respects England) or the National Assembly for Wales (as respects Wales) may direct.
Section 60 requires the authority to put, in a Rights of Way Improvement Plan:
(a) its assessment of these factors,
(b) a statement of the action the authority proposes to take for the management of local rights of way, and for securing an improved network of local rights of way, with particular regard to the matters dealt with in the assessment, and
(c) to include any other information required by the Secretary of State.
‘Local Rights of Way’ is defined as being footpaths, bridleways, 1984 Act cycle tracks, restricted byways and anything shown on a definite map as a restricted byway or byway open to all traffic.
Section 60(3) requires that ROWIPs are reviewed at intervals not exceeding ten years.
The latest Hertfordshire ROWIP was produced for the period 2017/18 - 2027/28.
It can be seen on the Hertfordshire County Council’s web site.
The County Council maintains a map of routes which would assist the aims and objectives of the ROWIP. These can be seen on the Hertfordshire County Council mapping site. Developers and Land Managers are encouraged to refer to this when formulating proposals.
While every endeavour has been made to give accurate information, the law is complex, subject to different interpretations and subject to change. The contents of this website are offered to help registered supporters and general readers, but do not constitute formal legal advice.