20 January 2005
Motorcycles, quad bikes and four-wheel drive vehicles will have their access to public rights of way restricted under new legislation.
Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael confirmed today that the Government would be responding to widespread concern about the damage to ancient, and often fragile, tracks.
He said that it was not right that 4×4 vehicles, for example, should be allowed to use a pathway just because horse drawn vehicles once used the route.
There is a place in the countryside for all users of rights of way, he said, whether on foot or on four wheels, but the use must be ‘responsible, sustainable and appropriate.’
Mr Michael added:
"We need a rights of way network that responds to the needs of the 21st century, not a network based solely on historic use patterns.
"The pressures of modern day use are very different to those a hundred or more years ago and new legislation is needed to reflect these changes."
The Minister confirmed that he wants the measures to become law as soon as a legislative opportunity becomes available.
Extra information
- Rights of way are minor highways that exist for the benefit of the community at large.
- Historically they were an integral part of the country’s transport system, but have long since evolved into a recreational network for people to explore the countryside on foot, on horseback or on wheels.
- The full report, ‘The Government’s framework for action’, and the Defra research report (opens in new window)
- Watch our exclusive short films on the environment and UK countryside
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