Problems on public rights of way
FAQs about problems on public rights of way
- Q: Can a farmer keep a bull in a field through which a public right of way passes?
- Q: What should I do if I find an intimidating sign on a public right of way (e.g. Private, Keep Out, Beware of the Bull etc.)?
- Q: What can I do if a public right of way is blocked?
- Q: I am concerned about anti-social behaviour on a path near my house. What can be done about it?
- Q: I cannot use a path because the field has been ploughed / cropped. What should I do?
- Q: I have been using a path for years and it has recently been blocked off by a locked gate or a fence or building/there is a new private sign/someone has stopped me and told me not to use the path. What can I do about this?
- Q: What is the law on aggressive/intimidating livestock in a field through which a public right of way passes?
- Q: What should I do if a public right of way is overgrown with vegetation?
- Q: Who is responsible for removing litter or fly-tipping from a public right of way?
- Q: Who should I contact if I find an abandoned car on a public right of way?
- Q: Can an electric fence be erected across a path? What about barbed wire?
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Q: Can a farmer keep a bull in a field through which a public right of way passes?
A: The only bull allowed in a field crossed by a public right of way is a bull under 10 months old or a beef bull accompanied by cows or heifers. Breeds of bull that must NOT be kept in fields with a path include Ayrshire, British Friesian, British Holstein, Dairy Shorthorn, Guernsey, Jersey and Kerry.
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Q: What should I do if I find an intimidating sign on a public right of way (e.g. Private, Keep Out, Beware of the Bull etc.)?
A: Misleading or intimidating signs on rights of way are unlawful.
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Q: What can I do if a public right of way is blocked?
A: You may remove a sufficient amount of an obstruction on a public right of way to get by or else you may take a short detour to get around it.
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Q: I am concerned about anti-social behaviour on a path near my house. What can be done about it?
A: This is a matter for the Police, as the people are problem rather than the path.
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Q: I cannot use a path because the field has been ploughed / cropped. What should I do?
A: Use the nearest alternative route.
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Up to the questions -
Q: I have been using a path for years and it has recently been blocked off by a locked gate or a fence or building/there is a new private sign/someone has stopped me and told me not to use the path. What can I do about this?
A: Firstly, check whether it is a public right of way.
Read more about I have been using a path for years and it has recently been blocked off by a locked gate or a fence or building/there is a new private sign/someone has stopped me and told me not to use the path. What can I do about this?
Up to the questions -
Q: What is the law on aggressive/intimidating livestock in a field through which a public right of way passes?
A: The keeper of any animal is liable for the damage/injury caused by the animal.
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Q: What should I do if a public right of way is overgrown with vegetation?
A: The landowner is responsible for keeping hedges from obstructing public rights of way. The Rights of Way Team is responsible for clearing vegetation growing from the surface of the path.
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Q: Who is responsible for removing litter or fly-tipping from a public right of way?
A: The local district council.
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Q: Who should I contact if I find an abandoned car on a public right of way?
A: This is the local district council's responsibility.
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Q: Can an electric fence be erected across a path? What about barbed wire?
A: Electric fences adjacent to public rights of way should be clearly labelled. Electric fences may be erected across a footpath (but not across a bridleway or byway) but they must be clearly labelled and insulated handles must be provided. It is an offence to place barbed wire across a public right of way. Barbed wire adjacent a path could be considered to be a 'public nuisance'. A walker or rider who is injured or damages their clothes on barbed wire when using the path could claim for damages against the landowner.
