HL Deb 12 January 1987 vol 483 c474WA
Lord Melchett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in the light of the judgment of the High Court in the case of Lang v. Hindhaugh (1986) RTR 271 that a public footpath or bridleway is a highway for the purposes of the Road Traffic Act 1972, they will now make it clear to organisers of motor sport events, police forces and local authorities that promoting or taking part in a race or trial of speed between motor vehicles on a public footpath or bridleway is a criminal offence under Section 14 of that Act.

Lord Brabazon of Tara

The judgment, which relates to Sections 6(1) and 99 of the Road Traffic Act 1972, clarifies the status of a footpath as a road for the purposes of the Act. In the view of Her Majesty's Government it does not change the interpretation of Sections 14 and 35, which turns on the meaning of "public highway", not road. It remains illegal to promote or take part in a race or trial of speed between motor vehicles on a public highway.