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The Rights of Way Improvement Plan
The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 introduced a statutory duty whereby Local Authorities are to prepare an Improvement Plan for the Public Rights of Way Network in their area.
The duty came into effect in November 2002. The plans are to be published within 5 years of that date and reviewed every 10 years.
Local Authorities will be required to identify changes which are needed to make rights of way networks meet with the Government’s aim of better provision for walkers, cyclists, equestrians and people with mobility problems.
Guidance on the preparation of the plans points to tourism, health, sustainable transport and improved access as issues which all need to be taken into account. The important relationship between linear routes and access to open spaces also has to be considered.
Local Authorities are also required to consider other plans and strategies, which include relevant policies in structure and local plans, walking and cycling strategies and recreation strategies, where they are in place. The Improvement Plan must be incorporated into the Local Authority’s Local Transport Plan.
Existing infrastructure, including promoted routes, recreation attractions and sites and routes provided by private landowners (National Trust, Environment Agency and the Forestry Commission etc) must be referred to.
The belief is that the Improvement Plans should be forward looking, wide ranging and strategic.