Roads Used as Public Paths: Reclassification

HL Deb 21 May 1999 vol 601 cc61-2WA

Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their policy on the Countryside Commission proposal to reclassify Roads Used as Public Paths as Byways Open to All Traffic. [HL2462]

Lord Whitty

The former Countryside Commission made this suggestion in its discussion paper,Rights of Way in the 21st Century, as one option for clarifying the status of Roads Used as Public Paths and relieving Highway Authorities of the task of reclassifying them individually. Subsequently, the commission submitted a number of recommendations to the Government for improving the rights of way system. The commission proposed further discussion with interested organisations before conclusions were reached on the recording and management of vehicular rights, including the future of Roads Used as Public Paths. The Government are considering the commission's recommendations and will seek further views in due course.