§ Andrew BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when section 63 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 will be implemented; what the legal and financial implications of this will be for local authorities; what incentive it will provide for them to ensure that their rights of way networks are kept fully open; and if she will make a statement. [76250]
§ Alun MichaelFollowing our recent consultation on implementation of section 63 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, we are now drafting regulations in the light of the 126 responses we received, with a view to commencing the provisions in early 2003.
Local highway authorities are already under a duty to protect the rights of the public to use rights of way. Under the new burdens procedure, highway authorities collectively are being funded for the additional requirements imposed by section 63. The procedures will provide a formal means for any person to draw to the authority's attention paths which are being obstructed and to take court action where they fail to act. The provisions will encourage authorities to be more proactive in their attempts to keep rights of way free from obstructions, leading to improved access and use of rights of way.
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