HC Deb 04 March 1994 vol 238 c5W
Mr. Hunter

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about the workings of section 54 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Mr. Atkins

I have received a number of representations, from various quarters and at various times, about the provisions in section 54 of the 1981 Act requiring the reclassification of roads used as public paths.

Mr. Hunter

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will seek to amend section 54 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 so that historic vehicular use does not necessitate the reclassification of roads used as public paths as byways open to all traffic.

Mr. Atkins

I am considering the operation of these procedures. Highway authorities already have, however, powers to regulate or restrict vehicular use, where necessary, on byways open to all traffic.