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Rights of way improvement plan
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A Rights Of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) is intended to be a mechanism for improving the local network of public rights of way and other non-motorised routes in light of the needs of all types of user. All Highway Authorities are required to prepare a plan under Section 60 of the Crow Act 2000 by November 2007.
A ROWIP must contain:
The Highway Authority’s assessment of:
- The extent to which local rights of way meet the present and likely future needs of the public
- The opportunities provided by local rights of way for exercise, open air recreation and enjoyment of the area
- The accessibility of local rights of way to those who are blind or partially sighted or who have other mobility problems
- Such other matters as Secretary of State may direct
A statement of the action the Highway Authority proposes to take:
- For the management of local rights of way
- For securing an improved network
- Such other matters as Secretary of State may direct
Background to the legislation
Central Government recognises that local public rights of way are a major national resource. They enable people to get away from roads used mainly by motor vehicles and enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of large parts of the countryside to which they would not other wise have access. Local rights of way can also provide a convenient means of travelling, particularly for short journeys, in both rural and urban areas.
Research for the Countryside Agency in 2000 revealed some interesting facts:
- Over 50% of households had at least one member who had used local rights of way in the previous year
- 30% of households felt that there were not enough paths and tracks, while 40% felt that provision was adequate
- 70% of households said that they would increase activity, particularly walking and cycling if more paths and tracks were available
- Barriers to using local rights of way included poor health, age and lack of time
- Many people believed that rights of way were frequently obstructed or so poorly maintained as to be difficult to use
A rights of way condition survey by the Countryside Agency in 2000 indicated that all Highway Authorities needed to identify and sustain adequate investment to improve the maintenance of their network.
The Wokingham District ROWIP
The Wokingham ROWIP is being prepared by The Countryside Service. A draft plan is now complete and will be subject to a 3 month consultation process. A copy of the draft is attached and can also be viewed at the main Council Offices, Shute End, Wokingham or the Ranger's Office at Dinton Pastures Country Park or at local libraries.
The deadline for comments on the draft is Thursday 20th December 2007 and should be sent in writing to Emma Tweed, Countryside Access & Rights of Way Ranger, Countryside Service, Dinton Pastures Country Park, Davis Street, Hurst, Reading RG10 0TH or emailed to emma.tweed@wokingham.gov.uk.
It is anticipated that the Local Access Forum will be involved in the final approval of the ROWIP.
Links to other plans and strategies
ROWIPs have links to various other plans and strategies including the Local Transport Plan, Community Strategy and Local Plan (LDF). It is envisaged that ROWIP will form a distinct part of new Local Transport Plan.
Implementation and Review
- Implementation is not a statutory part of ROWIP, though it is clearly intended. Funding is likely to be the main issue, so links with the Local Transport plan will be important and with planning agreements.
- ROWIPs will be reviewed every 5 years in line with the Local Transport Plan cycle.
Further, more detailed information can be found on the DEFRA website.
For more information about Wokingham's Plan contact the Access Ranger (Rights of Way Improvement Plan) at the Countryside Service on 0118 9342016 or email publicrightsofway@wokingham.gov.uk.
Related Documents
Parish Council questionnaire comments PDF (26.0 KB)
Minutes of the horse rider's focus group PDF (60.8 KB)
Minutes of the land owner's focus group PDF (48.1 KB)
Minutes of the disabled user's focus group meeting PDF (46.4 KB)
Minutes of the off road cyclist's focus group PDF (22.5 KB)
Minutes of the parish council's focus group PDF (37.6 KB)
Minutes of the vehicle user's focus group PDF (83.5 KB)
