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 Survey of Rights of Way
Geof Cole
The Audit Commission ended the requirement for Highway Authorities to survey the ease of use of their rights of way. These surveys have proved to be a useful tool to highlight general problems, as well as different standards across the county. For example, Derbyshire County Council’s campaign to improve roadside signing and, more recently, path reinstatement after crop planting /ploughing, came from these surveys. We are also using the evidence from these surveys to argue for more action to improve paths outside of the National Park area. Fortunately, DCC has decided to continue with the surveys, and this November our Group surveyed 72 rights of way.
DCC Policy on Path Maintenance
The RA Derbyshire Footpath Committee believes that one of the main problems in our area is the lack of a transparent and effective method of prioritizing and allocating resources for work on rights of way in Derbyshire. As a result, problems that we do not regard as a priority are addressed whilst other major issues are ignored. An example of this is the lack of action on an aggressive farmer near Marston Montgomery and blocked rights of way in Taddington. Moreover, DCC say they address problems promptly, with a claimed 70% resolution rate within 12 weeks, but this is not borne out by the experience of our members. On our behalf, Ramblers’ Association Central Office raised a freedom of information request to ask DCC for a copy of their policies. Their response indicates that none exists, and we are using this to ask to become involved with the development and agreement of an effective policy. At a recent meeting, the Head of their Rights of Way Section acknowledged the need for such a system, if only to protect his staff from pressure from Councillors; and they have started work to develop one. I see this as a more important area for action than trying to progress individual path problems.
Off-roading
Group members will know about our concerns over the damage caused by off-roaders on unsurfaced byways. DCC has finally met with representatives from the Derbyshire RA Groups, along with the British Horse Society, to discuss their approach to the management of off-roading in the County. The good news from the meeting was that DCC has now started work on a strategy to manage the unsurfaced routes used by recreational motor vehicles in Derbyshire.
Geof Cole
Group Footpath Secretary
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