HL Deb 15 November 1989 vol 512 cc1399-400WA
Lord Denning

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the reclassification of countryside ways under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 is giving rise to difficulty and controversy: and, if so, whether they propose to introduce legislation to remedy this.

Lord Hesketh

Concern has been expressed in some cases where roads used as public paths have been reclassified as byways open to all traffic. Such reclassification is based on the discovery of existing vehicular rights and does not create rights which did not previously exist. There are powers to enable local highway authorities to control, regulate or prohibit vehicular use where necessary. At present, I do not believe legislation is necessary, but my department is monitoring this situation and will consult my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Transport if further action is considered necessary.