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Behemoth
Joined: 01 Dec 2004
Posts: 19023
Location: Leeds
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 Posted: Fri Jan 20, 06 10:10 am Post subject: Defra publishes advice on the management of byways and right |
 
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Defra press release
Defra publishes advice on the management of byways and rights of way
Defra is today publishing advice for Local Authorities, the Police and Community Safety Partnerships on the maintenance of byways and the illegal use of motor vehicles on rights of way.
Rural Affairs Minister, Jim Knight, said:
“It has become clear that many of those involved in enforcement are unaware of the significant range of powers that already exist to tackle the illegal and irresponsible use of motor vehicles on rights of way and in the wider countryside. There are others who have demonstrated, through imaginative and creative use of these powers, that they can be successful if used effectively.
“The aim of the guidance is to share this good practice with local authorities, the Police and Community Safety Partnerships and to encourage the formation of local partnerships to tackle the continuing abuse.
“We must ensure that our byways and rights of way are protected for the enjoyment of everyone who use these important parts of our countryside, now and in the future.”
‘Regulating the use of motor vehicles on public rights of way and off road' is the first step in providing information to Local Authorities, the Police and Community Safety Partnerships on getting the most out of existing legislation, and to encourage the formation of local partnerships to tackle the continuing abuse.
‘Making the Best of Byways' will provide a practical reference manual for authorities, land owners, contractors, volunteer groups, and others involved in the maintenance of unsurfaced vehicular routes. Among other things, it provides advice on dealing with: conflicts between users; poor surface conditions; and increasing pressure of use.
Both publications are available online at:
www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/cl/mpv/index.htm
Notes to editors
In January 2005, following an extensive consultation, the Government published a document entitled – ‘Use of mechanically propelled vehicles on rights of way; the Government's framework for action' – setting out how it proposes to take forward its policy in this area. This publication identified two main strands to these proposals.
First, a need for new legislation to limit significantly the scope for recording additional rights for mechanically propelled vehicles on the definitive map and statement (the local authorities' legal record of rights of way). The Government is currently pursuing this through new rights of way provisions in Part 6 on the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill.
Second, a need for guidance on the better use of existing legislation to tackle illegal, irresponsible and antisocial use of mechanically propelled vehicles, both on rights of way and in the wider countryside; to be complemented by a revision of ‘Making the Best of Byways', a practical guide to managing unsealed routes that have rights for mechanically propelled vehicles.
A proposal to publish enforcement guidance was first introduced in the consultation document: ‘Use of Mechanically Propelled Vehicles on Rights of Way', issued in December 2003, and received widespread support.
The first edition of ‘Making the Best of Byways was published in 1997 to assist local authorities in developing a clear management strategy on the effective shared use of unsealed ways in the countryside which carry public vehicular rights.
‘Making the Best of Byways' and ‘Regulating the Use of Motor Vehicles on Public Rights of Way and Off Road' were published on the 19 th January 2006.
Copies of both publications are available from Defra publications, Admail 6000, London. SW1A 2XX. Tel. 08459 556000. |
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