Please note the following information on parts Part II, III and IV of the CROW Act are given as guide to these sections at the time of the Act receiving Royal accent and do not take account of their implementation since that time. For more up to date information please visit:
Part II: Rights of way and traffic regulation
Reclassification of Roads Used as Public Paths (RUPPs). RUPPs are an obscure class of right of way which may or may not carry full vehicular rights. Currently local authorities must investigate each one individually and reclassify it as either a footpath, bridleway or Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT). Under the Act they will be reclassified automatically as 'restricted byways', open to walkers, horse-riders and for vehicles that are not mechanically propelled. (For more on classifications of rights of way, see the Basics of Footpath Law.)
'Capping' the definitive map. To encourage the completion of official 'definitive' footpath maps, footpaths and bridleways not recorded by January 2026 will be extinguished, although there are some exceptions to this. The Ramblers have consistently argued that there should be adequate funding to ensure these historic routes are recorded in the time available - an accurate and complete definitive map is in everyone's interest.
Stopping-up and diversion. Owners or occupiers of certain types of land will have a right to apply for orders to close or divert paths across it. (At present it is only possible to make an informal request to a local authority for such an order.) There will be provisions to close or divert paths for the crime prevention purposes, and to protect students and staff from violence and harassment where a path crosses school grounds.
Rights of way improvement plans. Local highway authorities will be required to produce plans that include an assessment of the extent to which local rights of way meet the present and likely future needs of the public, the opportunities they provide for open-air recreation, and their accessibility for the less-able.
Obstructions. Any member of the public can now serve a notice on a local highway authority requesting that it takes action to remove certain types of obstruction from rights of way, with a follow-up enforcement procedure in the magistrates court, who can then order the removal of the obstruction.
Motor vehicles off-road. Driving any motor vehicles, including motorbikes, quad bikes and scrambler bikes on footpaths, bridleways, restricted byways or off-road is now an offence, unless the driver has lawful authority.
People with mobility problems. Local authorities will be required to take into account the needs of the less mobile when considering the provision of stiles and gates.
The RA will be working closely with local authorities to ensure that these provisions are used to make genuine improvements to the rights of way network. For more on rights of way and the law, see our Basics of Footpath Law section.
Part III: Nature conservation and wildlife
Generally, the Act strengthens protection for wildlife and for Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and Ramsar sites (wetland areas). These sites will be put under positive management and public bodies that own, manage or affect SSSIs will now have a legal duty of care. Jail sentences of up to six months and fines of up to £5,000 have been introduced for many wildlife offences, with sentences of up to two years for the deliberate release of non-native and certain other species.
Part IV: Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs)
This Act sets out the designation procedure for AONBs and extends some provisions relating to National Parks in the 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act to AONBs. The Secretary of State can now establish conservation boards for AONBs, following consultation with the relevant local authorities and the Countryside Agency. The conservation boards responsibilities would include the conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the AONB, and increasing public understanding and enjoyment. Local authorities must now produce management plans for their AONBs, which ensure the site is better protected and enhanced, and that pressures on it are identified and managed by a wide partnership of local interests and resources.
