Dorset Area
RIGHTS OF WAY →→→→→→→→→→→→→→
Being new to Dorset I may well be covering ground that is familiar to members who have lived in the area for a while. As I put myself in the picture I will pass on information and hope it is helpful. In January, Dorset County Council (DCC) held a meeting to give an update on improvements to the Rights of Way (ROW) network. There were three main points of note:
- There are almost 3,000 miles of ROW in Dorset of which carriage drivers have the right to use only about 12 miles (0.4%) -- these are the Byways Open to All Traffic (BOATs). We share them with motorised vehicles.
- The Council have limited funds and as well as their statutory obligations of signs, bridges and surfacing they have to meet a wide range of public needs, including access for disabled people, families and tourists.
- They rely heavily on volunteers to gather information on users' requirements and problems, and to help with maintenance.
We need to stay in touch with DCC and make sure they know how much we need access to off-road driving. What they want is applications with as much supporting evidence as we can find.
By the way, a Restricted Byway is a ROW for non-motorised traffic. They were introduced recently to take over from Roads Used as Public Paths - RUPPs. However, DCC decided originally, in about 1968, that the county would not have any RUPPs, so there are none to convert to Restricted Byways. Applications can be made for new Restricted Byways to be introduced and the Council have several applications outstanding. I can't say yet what grounds would be needed for an application to succeed.
The head of the ROW department at DCC drew my attention to 120 miles of "un-loved, un-paved, under-used public roads that need using", and to that end I am arranging to get OS maps marked up by the Trailriders ROW representative who has researched these roads. He says, from the point of view of a biker, that only some of these are suitable for a horse and carriage. It might be fun finding out which -- any volunteers?!
If you want to get in touch with me, please ring 01929 463622 or email doro@waitrose.com
Dorothy Webb