The ROWIP will be an assessment of:

• The extent to which Local Public Rights of Way (LPROW) - footpaths, bridleways, cycle tracks and restricted byways - meets the present and likely future needs of the public.

• Opportunities LPROW can provide for exercise, recreation and enjoyment of the area.

• The ease of accessibility for people with vision and mobility impairments.

The ROWIP will include an Action Statement identifying:

• Ways in which the Highway Authority intend to manage the outdoor access network

• Ways in which the Highway Authority intends to secure an improved outdoor access network

However the ROWIP is not just concerned with LPROW and recreation. Consideration will also be given to publicly accessible land and other highways as part of the wider highway network and opportunities for access in connection with issues such as health, land management, the economy, sustainable transport and landscape protection.

The Dorset ROWIP will be the principal method of identifying the way ahead for Dorset County Council in the future management, development and improvement of Dorset's outdoor access network.

Preparation of the plan necessitates much research and consultation, which took time, however the ROWIP was produced by November 2007 and will be reviewed within every 10 years.

• Name: Business Manager (service Planning)
  Email: z.l.schofield@dorsetcc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 221586
  Full details for Business Manager (service Planning)