Local Authorities will need to put their public rights of way network in order or face the prospect of frequent court visits, warns the Ramblers' Association (RA) today. Under Section 63 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, members of the public will have more power to compel local authorities.
The RA has already used this legislation in a number of locations around the country, and it has proved successful in convincing local authorities to enforce the law and act strongly against those who wilfully block the public’s right of way. So successful has the legislation been that the RA has introduced a user-friendly guide for the public on our website, allowing people to take action with the legislation and remove obstructions.
Local authorities have a statutory duty to maintain the footpath network, yet according to official Government statistics 35% of footpaths in England and 56% in Wales, over 35,000 miles of public rights of way, are difficult or impossible to use, due to obstructions and poor maintenance. Section 63 is a powerful new tool that will help the public to change that.
Duncan Exley, a Footpath Campaigner at the RA, said, “Despite all the evidence that good, well maintained footpaths attract walkers and boost local economies, many councils are failing when it comes to footpaths. The public now has a powerful new tool to enforce their rights.”
To find out more about taking action on footpaths please visit the RA’s website.
