Blueprint for the right to roam

14 October 1998

Blueprint for the right to roam

A BLUEPRINT for modernising Britains ancient system of rights of way is being prepared by the Countryside Commission.

The commission will ask for new legislation, new money and a new set of priorities for the network which has become a battleground between landowners and walkers.

Proposed legislative changes include a 10-year time limit for registering a right of way.

The commission also recommends punishing farmers who block rights of way by withholding their subsidies.

Furthermore, it has suggested taking over responsibility from highway authorities which fail to properly maintain rights of way.

The proposals are set out in a document, Rights Of Way In the 21st Century.