PAPER B

ENVIRONMENT AND TRANSPORT SELECT COMMITTEE – 26 JANUARY 2004

USE OF MECHANICALLY PROPELLED VEHICLES ON RIGHTS OF WAY

HEAD OF SELECT COMMITTEE AND BEST VALUE SUPPORT

REASON FOR SELECT COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has issued a consultation document relating to the use of mechanically propelled vehicle on rights of way. The Select Committee will be able to consider what affect the proposals may have for this Council. It is intended to seek the views of a number of relevant interest groups on this matter.

ACTION REQUIRED BY THE SELECT COMMITTEE

To consider whether any comments should be made in respect of the Consultation Document

BACKGROUND

In December 2003 the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) issued a Consultation Paper on The Use of Mechanically Propelled Vehicles on Rights of Way. This sets out the Government’s proposals for tackling problems arising from the use of rights of way by a range of mechanically propelled vehicles. Views have to be submitted to DEFRA by 19 March 2004. A copy of the Consultation Paper is attached as Appendix 1.

The Council, as Highway Authority, is reputed to have more footpaths per square kilometre than any other English County. The rights of way network consists of 827 km and this can be broken down into 514 km footpaths, 216 km of bridleways and 47 km of Byways.

Members will need to consider the proposals contained in the Consultation Paper and any implications that it may have in respect of the Council’s existing policies and strategies. This then may lead to a suitable response being made to DEFRA.

RELEVANT PLANS, POLICIES, STRATEGIES AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

The Council’s rights of way network can be linked in with its Strategic Objectives relating to protecting the Island’s physical environment, improving public transport and the highways infrastructure and creating safe and crime-free communities.

There is also the Rights of Way Strategy for 2001- 2006 which sets out how the Council intends to develop the network for that period for the benefit of residents and visitors.

CONSULTATION PROCESS

The Consultation Paper is the subject of a major consultation exercise which closes on 19 March 2004.

FINANCIAL, LEGAL, CRIME AND DISORDER IMPLICATIONS

The financial implications directly arising from the action that the Government will introduce as the result of the Consultation paper are not known. Unregulated and irresponsible use of rights of way by mechanically propelled vehicles can cause damage and creates a hazard for other users.

APPENDICES ATTACHED

Appendix 1 – DEFRA Consultation Paper.

BACKGROUND PAPERS USED IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS REPORT

Contact Point : Paul Thistlewood, F 823285 e-mail [email protected]

ALISTAIR DRAIN

Head of Select Committee and Best Value Support