At EU Signs, we have been providing footpaths and safety signs across the United Kingdom for some time now. We have developed an outstanding reputation for our signs’ quality and customer service. No matter your needs for left arrow footpath signs, we’re confident that we can help. Those specified factors in Test 3 must be taken into account by the decision-maker but the expediency test is not limited to those matters, as confirmed by the Court of Appeal in The Open Spaces Society v SSEFRA [2021] EWCA Civ 241. The decision-maker may have regard to any other relevant matter including, if appropriate, the interests of the owner over which the path currently passes, or the wider public interest. Use of the word “expedient” indicates that a broad judgement is to be made and it will be for the decision-maker to weigh the different considerations. There is the maxim “once a highway, always a highway”. Once a highway has come into being by whatever means it continues indefinitely no matter whether it is used or not. In the case of Harvey v Truro RDC ([1903] 2 Ch 638) Mr Justice Joyce said:

Footpath waymarkers are an important part of the public rights of way network. They help people to enjoy the countryside safely and responsibly. Note: The independent charity ‘ Scotways‘ has further information about the Scottish Rights of Way & Access Society. This Advice Note should only be regarded as a basic guide to, rather than an authoritative interpretation of, the law on public rights of way, it is publicly available but has no legal force.

UK Rules for ‘Excepted Land’

Used for walking activities (e.g. jogging, running) and can also be used by people in mobility scooters or powered wheelchairs. The term ‘excepted land’ refers to private areas situated on public access land. But, even if you see these areas showing on a map of open access land, you do not have the legal right to access these ‘private’ areas. c) of any new public right of way on the land over which it is to be created and any land held with it. However, cycling and horse-riding would be permitted on open access land in the United Kingdom if the landowner allows it, or there are:

If the paths were re-instated there is probably an ongoing case with the County Councils RoW dept. and you should be able to get the information under the Freedom of Information Act. Just bringing these local issues to the surface without probing for the underlying causes does little to progress the case for access. For any form of transport that does not have a motor (can be used by mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs). Local authority” means a non-metropolitan district council, a parish council or the parish meeting of a parish not having a separate parish council. (see Schedule 14(5) and 15(13)) Note: As a rule, open access land includes common land, downs, heaths, moors, mountains, and selected land masses around the England Coast Path (a National Trail around England’s coastline).Trespassers Will Be Prosecuted” – Aimed at deterring people from private land, these signs are usually meaningless as walking onto someone else’s property is a civil offence rather than a legal one, however the landowner could prosecute if you trespass and damage property. A landowner can use ‘reasonable force’ to encourage a trespasser off their property and signs of this nature are usually to be taken as a sign to move on. Mindfulness, common sense and respect should be practised here but simply walk on and continue to enjoy your day in peace. Under section 56 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (WCA 81), a definitive map and statement is conclusive evidence of certain particulars contained in it, as at the relevant date (defined in section 56(2)). The general rule is that where a map shows a way as of a particular category of highway it is conclusive of certain public rights of way over it at the relevant date, but that is without prejudice to the existence of higher rights. So, for example, where it shows a footpath that is conclusive of public rights of way on foot, but not that there are not bridleway or carriageway rights. Members of the public have the legal right to access some, but not all, land areas for leisure activities (e.g. dog walking, rambling).

Hence, open access land often includes heathland, moors, mountains, and even some ‘privately’ owned downs. It can also include common land registered with the local council and some of the England Coast Path. Furthermore, you would need to keep your dog under close control on any land areas next to the England Coast Path (excluding assistance dogs). Here we explore the ‘do’s and don’ts’ for private landowners whose land is subject to public rights of way. What landowners can do with public footpaths

Permitted/Permissive Paths (White Arrow) - Paths the landowner has agreed with the local authority to allow public access to. These routes can be closed for several days every year by the landowner for maintenance and to avoid claims of continuous public right of way. Mere disuse of a highway cannot deprive the public of their rights. Where there has once been a highway no length of time during which it may not have been used will preclude the public from resuming the exercise of the right to use it if and when they think proper.