Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 - Part III: Public Rights of Way

Part III: Public Rights of Way

Part III includes sections 53 to 66 of the Act. Building on the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 which required local authorities to draw up maps defining public rights of way.

• Ascertainment of public rights of way

The duties of government bodies to identify, maintain and update records about Public Rights of Way and to keep maps showing rights of way under continuous review.

• Updating and changing public rights of way

Updating may be required after the following:

1. diversion of a highway 2. extension of a highway 3. widening of a highway 4. stopping of a highway 5. addition of a highway 6. removal of a highway 7. change in position of public path or traffic byway 8. implementation of restrictions to public right of way

Rights of way are maintained at public expense.

An up to date map act as evidence that the public has right of way in relevant way (i.e. by foot on footpaths or on horseback on bridleways).

Changes of right of way requires a survey or review by the local surveying authority

• Miscellaneous & Supplemental

Some responsibilities of owners of land crossed by a Public Right of Way

Regulation of traffic on Public Rights of Way