Protecting your land from new rights of way
If the public regularly uses a path that is not officially recorded, it may eventually become a recognised Public Right of Way.
Section 31(6) of the Highways Act 1980 allows landowners to protect themselves from this happening by officially recording their land and any existing paths.
You can view the current Section 31 register of deposits on our website.
Who looks after Public Rights of Way?
When a Public Right of Way crosses private land, both the local council and the landowner share responsibility.
Our responsibilities:
- Keeping paths clear by managing vegetation
- Helping landowners maintain stiles and gates
- Putting up signposts where paths meet roads
- Providing and maintaining way markers along routes
- Maintaining some bridges and culverts
The landowner’s responsibilities:
- Keeping paths free from obstructions and overgrowth (such as crops or hedges)
- Maintaining stiles and gates
- Applying for a temporary closure if work could affect the path or make it unsafe