Public Rights of Way maintenance

Landowners and Highway Authority responsibilities

Landowners and Highway Authorities (HA) both have a key role in keeping Public Rights of Way (PROW) open, unobstructed and easy to use.

They both have responsibilities for maintaining the PROW network.

maintain stiles and gates in a safe condition for public use (unless there is special agreement with London Borough of Barnet)
seek consent from the local HA before installing new stiles and gates, unauthorised structures are obstructions and may be removed at the landowner’s
keep PROW clear from overhanging vegetation. Side or overhanging vegetation must not encroach over the route
maintain fences and hedges adjacent to any PROW so they do not cause an obstruction or nuisance to the user. Electric fences and barbed wire too close to a public right of way may be considered an obstruction
reinstate cross field footpaths and bridleways to make them visible and convenient to use

keep animals they know to be dangerous in areas crossed by a PROW
put up signs that deter public access along a PROW
deposit anything on to a PROW to create an obstruction or nuisance
disturb the surface of any PROW without consent from the Highway Authority
obstruct any PROW with locked gates, temporary or permanent fencing including electric or barbed wire

Any damage caused by private vehicular rights is usually the responsibility of the landowner to repair.

remove excessive vegetation growing from the surface of PROW
ensure bridges over natural water courses are safe and easy to use
sign all PROW where they leave a tarmac road
waymark PROW where it is considered necessary and convenient
repair the surface of PROW where damage has been caused by public use (legal and illegal)
carry out drainage to a PROW where necessary to enable access